Relations between India and Bangladesh have fallen to a very low level in the last one and a half years. Meanwhile, Bangladesh is busy improving its relations with India's enemy countries. India is also alert about the changed attitude of Bangladesh. However, the Indian government has made it clear that its relations with Bangladesh are very special in themselves. And it keeps a close eye on events that affect its national interests. On growing friendship with Pakistan, he said that we are keeping an eye on it.
Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha yesterday that India's relations with Bangladesh are very special in themselves and are not linked to its relations with other countries. The government told Parliament that India keeps a close watch on all incidents that affect its national interests and takes all necessary steps to protect them.
He further said, “India supports a democratic, peaceful, stable, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh, and this has been conveyed to the interim government there in all relevant meetings. The government also said that it constantly monitors developments in neighboring countries, especially those that impact India's security and interests.
Singh stressed that India's relations with its neighbors are of top priority and are determined by mutual interests and prevailing circumstances.
When asked by the Ministry of External Affairs whether India-Bangladesh relations are at a sensitive stage and Pakistan is trying to take advantage of the situation, Minister of State for External Affairs Singh said that India and Bangladesh have deep historical, cultural and social ties, and their relations are based on people-centric development, with regular exchanges and mutual meetings.
He stressed that India's relations with Bangladesh are different from its relations with other countries. However, the government also remains alert about incidents affecting India's interests and takes all necessary steps to protect them.
On whether India has discussed reports of open killings of minority civilians, especially Hindus, in Bangladesh, Minister of State for External Affairs Singh said India has consistently raised concerns over the security of minorities with Bangladeshi officials, including at the highest level meetings, and the issue was raised by the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister in a meeting with Bangladesh Foreign Advisor Tauheed Hussain on February 16 last year.
On the question of monitoring reports related to the safety of minorities in Bangladesh, he stressed that it is the responsibility of Bangladesh to ensure the safety of all its citizens, including minority communities.
