India expects ‘constructive approach’ from Bangladesh on minority safety: Vikram Misri

The Indian foreign secretary stresses the need for a positive and collaborative relationship with Bangladesh

India expects a “constructive approach” from the interim government regarding the safety of minorities in Bangladesh, its Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has said.

Speaking after a meeting with Foreign Advisor Touhid Hossain at the foreign ministry in Dhaka on Monday, the diplomat highlighted India’s desire to work closely with the Bangladesh government.

“We had the opportunity to discuss certain recent developments and issues, and I conveyed our concerns, including those related to the safety and welfare of minorities,” Misri said.

He added, “We also discussed some regrettable incidents of attacks on cultural, religious, and diplomatic properties. We expect a constructive approach from the Bangladesh authorities on all these issues.”

Misri, who arrived in Dhaka for a foreign secretary-level meeting, said India aims to steer the bilateral relationship in a positive, forward-looking, and constructive direction.

This is the first high-level meeting between the two countries since the fall of the Awami government, known as the Foreign Office Consultation, or FOC.

The previous meeting was held in November 2023 in New Delhi.