India ‘closely’ following Bangladesh interest in joining Makkah pact

New Delhi is “closely” monitoring Bangladesh’s possible joining of the Makkah Defence Pact, an external affairs ministry spokesman says.

Randhir Jaiswal made the remark in response to a question from a reporter at a media briefing on Friday regarding Bangladesh’s openness to joining the Makkah Defence Pact.

“On your question, all that I have to say is that we continue to closely follow all developments having a bearing on India's security and take all necessary steps to safeguard it," the external affairs spokesman said.

The possibility of Bangladesh joining the defence pact between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Türkiye has sparked widespread discussion and ruffled feathers in Delhi.

In response to a question about the “deliberate targeting” of Hindu families in Bangladesh.

He said, “The other question was about the law and order situation in Bangladesh. This is a responsibility which the government of Bangladesh must take."

The Indian media has regularly raised concerns about the alleged persecution of Bangladesh’s Hindu minority following the political changeover following the July Uprising.