'Help clear the clouds': Indian foreign secretary meets Bangladesh interim chief Yunus amid rising tensions

NEW DELHI: Foreign secretary Vikram Misri called for clearing the “clouds” that have overshadowed bilateral relations between the two countries in a meeting with chief adviser of Bangladesh's interim government Muhammad Yunus on Monday.
Yunus too, reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to resolving these issues, highlighting the need to remove the “clouds” overshadowing relations.
"India desires a positive, constructive, and mutually beneficial relationship with Bangladesh," Misri said, as quoted by news agency Reuters.
Misri said he discussed "some regrettable incidents of attacks on cultural, religious, and diplomatic properties", adding that India expected a constructive approach on these issues from Bangladesh.
Misri met Yunus at the state guesthouse Jamuna in Dhaka on Monday. The high-level visit marks a significant step in addressing months of tension following the resignation of Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August and India expressing concern over attacks on minority Hindus in Bangladesh.
In addition to meeting Yunus, Misri held talks with his Bangladeshi counterpart, Mohammad Jashim Uddin, where both sides pledged to work constructively to improve ties.
Misri’s visit is the first high-level engagement between the two nations since the political upheaval and increasing tensions amid rising attacks on the minority community.
Despite the challenges, both nations expressed optimism for a collaborative future. "There is no reason why this mutually beneficial cooperation should not continue to deliver in the interest of both our peoples," Misri said, signaling hope for stronger ties in the coming months.