Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said India wants to advance relations with Bangladesh based on "mutual sensitivities" to each other's interests and concerns, amid a frost in ties.
"We remain committed to advancing this partnership, driven by our common aspirations for peace, stability, and prosperity, and based on mutual sensitivity to each other's interests and concerns," Modi said in a letter to Muhammad Yunus, chief advisor to Bangladesh's interim government, wishing him on Bangladesh's National Day.
On March 26, 1971, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared Bangladesh's independence from Pakistan, marking the beginning of the Bangladesh Liberation War. India intervened in the war to help the country attain independence.
"I extend my felicitations to you and the people of Bangladesh on the occasion of the National Day of Bangladesh. This day stands as a testament to our shared history and sacrifices, that have laid the foundation of our bilateral partnership," Modi said.
"The spirit of the Liberation War of Bangladesh continues to remain a guiding light for our relationship, which has flourished across multiple domains, bringing tangible benefits to our peoples," he added.
Indian Prime Minister @narendramodi sends the following message to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus to wish people of Bangladesh on the ocassion of Independence Day. pic.twitter.com/HzuazFzh2H
The message to Yunus comes at a time when ties remain under strain following the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August last year, who fled to India after violent student-led protests.
Indian diplomatic missions in the country have faced attacks, even as New Delhi repeatedly flagged concerns on their security.
The Modi government also raised concerns over attacks on religious minorities in Bangladesh.
Notably, Yunus is now on a four-day official visit to China, which will include talks with President Xi Jinping and top business executives.
Muhammad Yunus delivered a speech at the Boao Forum For Asia Annual Conference 2025 in Hainan, China. (Photo source: X profile)
The Bangladesh government said the meeting will focus on various strategic bilateral issues, enhancing trade and investment, cooperation in agriculture, infrastructure, and renewable energy sectors, as well as addressing the Rohingya crisis, along with other matters of mutual interest between the two countries.
Yunus is yet to visit India, since he assumed charge in Dhaka last year.
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