Sun Feb 16 16:02:39 UTC 2025: ## India and Bangladesh Hold Talks Amidst Tensions

**Muscat, Oman –** Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with his Bangladeshi counterpart, Touhid Hossain, on February 16th, 2025, in Muscat, Oman, to address escalating tensions between the two nations. The meeting, held on the sidelines of the 8th Indian Ocean Conference, focused on resolving challenges stemming from attacks on minorities in Bangladesh and the continued presence of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in India.

Both ministers acknowledged the bilateral challenges and expressed a commitment to working together. The Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted upcoming border guard meetings aimed at resolving border-related issues. Mr. Jaishankar also highlighted the importance of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), with the upcoming summit in Bangkok expected to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus.

Mr. Jaishankar’s meetings extended to other regional leaders, including foreign ministers from Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Iran, Mauritius, and Brunei, underscoring India’s diplomatic efforts in the region. He warned of a “sharp churning” in the Indian Ocean due to developments in West Asia, advocating for coordinated regional cooperation. This follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal to relocate Palestinians, a plan strongly condemned by Oman and other Gulf nations. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized the U.S.’s continued pressure on Iran.

During his meeting with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, Mr. Jaishankar reiterated India’s commitment to Sri Lanka’s economic recovery, following the Adani Group’s withdrawal from a renewable energy project and concerns over Sri Lanka’s decision to lift its moratorium on research vessel docking. Mr. Herath emphasized the importance of strengthening regional security in the Indian Ocean. The conference, co-hosted by India and Oman, saw participation from over 25 countries and highlighted India’s initiatives for regional cooperation, including substantial financial aid and disaster relief efforts.

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