US Urges India and Bangladesh to Resolve Differences Peacefully Amidst Tensions

The United States has called on India and Bangladesh to resolve their ongoing differences peacefully. During a daily news briefing on Tuesday, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller urged both nations to find a peaceful resolution to their disputes.

"We want to see all parties resolve their disagreements peacefully," Miller said, responding to questions about the recent visit of India's Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri, to Bangladesh.

Misri’s visit earlier this week highlighted New Delhi's concerns regarding the safety and security of minorities in Bangladesh. Addressing the issue, Misri emphasized India's desire for a positive and constructive relationship with Bangladesh, while also raising concerns over the welfare of minorities, particularly Hindus, who have been increasingly targeted in recent incidents.

"I have underlined India's desire to work closely with the interim government of Bangladesh. At the same time, we also 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 at the end of his visit to Dhaka.

The strained ties between India and Bangladesh have worsened since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation amidst widespread protests in August, which led to the formation of an interim government under caretaker leader Yunus. Hasina, who sought refuge in India, and Yunus have exchanged remarks over extradition, further escalating tensions.

The power vacuum following Hasina's departure has been marked by violence against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh, including attacks on religious sites. The Indian government-run Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre in Dhaka was also targeted with arson. These incidents have prompted protests in several Indian states bordering Bangladesh, such as West Bengal and Tripura, where Hindu groups have raised concerns over the arrest of individuals charged with sedition.

In Tripura, tensions flared when the Bangladeshi consulate in Agartala was stormed by protesters, who vandalized property and desecrated the Bangladeshi flag. These developments have heightened diplomatic strains between the two countries, putting additional pressure on India-Bangladesh relations.

Misri emphasized that India values its relationship with Bangladesh as one rooted in people-to-people ties. "India-Bangladesh relations are people-centric and people-oriented, with the benefit of all people as its central motivational force," he said, underscoring New Delhi's commitment to working with Bangladesh to address issues of mutual concern.

As both governments face growing challenges, the U.S. has called for calm and cooperation between the neighbouring nations.