UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 05th April 2025
PM Modi Meets Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Yunus
Why in News?
- Prime Minister of India held a crucial meeting with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on the sidelines of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok.
- This meeting marked the first high-level engagement since the ousting of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024.
- Key issues discussed included the safety of minority communities in Bangladesh, border security cooperation, and the extradition request concerning Hasina.
Key Highlights
- Protection of Minorities in Bangladesh
- India raised strong concerns regarding violence and discrimination against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.
- The Indian side urged for thorough investigations and stronger institutional safeguards for minority protection.
- Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri reiterated India’s expectation that Bangladesh ensures equal rights and justice for all communities.
- Extradition of Former PM Sheikh Hasina
- The Bangladeshi government formally requested the extradition of Sheikh Hasina, who is reportedly under asylum protection in India.
- India has not confirmed its stance, citing the political sensitivity and legal implications of the issue.
- The outcome of this request could significantly influence regional diplomacy and internal stability in Bangladesh.
- Border Security Cooperation
- India expressed concern over illegal cross-border movement, especially night-time infiltration, smuggling, and trafficking.
- The two sides discussed enhanced joint border enforcement and the need to strengthen bilateral border management protocols.
- The India–Bangladesh border, stretching over 4,000 km, remains one of the most porous yet sensitive frontiers in South Asia.
- Recalibrating India–Bangladesh Relations Post-Hasina
- India reiterated its commitment to a stable, democratic, and development-oriented Bangladesh, focusing on a people-centric approach.
- The aim is to ensure policy continuity in key sectors such as connectivity, energy, trade, and regional integration.
- The meeting reflects India’s cautious but proactive engagement with the transitional leadership in Dhaka.
Important Concepts and Frameworks
- Minority Rights in South Asia: Central to India’s regional policy, especially where Hindus, Buddhists, and tribal communities reside in neighbouring countries.
- Extradition Protocols: Based on bilateral treaties, legal frameworks, and political discretion, balancing humanitarian and strategic concerns.
- BIMSTEC Framework: A platform connecting South and Southeast Asia focused on cooperation in trade, security, and connectivity — viewed by India as a functional alternative to SAARC.
Timeline of Recent India–Bangladesh Developments
|
Date |
Event |
|
Aug 2024 |
Former PM Sheikh Hasina ousted amid political unrest in Bangladesh. |
|
Sep–Oct 2024 |
India grants temporary asylum to Sheikh Hasina on humanitarian grounds. |
|
Dec 2024 |
Reports emerge of minority-targeted violence in Bangladesh post-coup. |
|
Jan 2025 |
India expresses concern over communal violence; urges investigations. |
|
Apr 2025 |
PM meets Chief Adviser Yunus at BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok. |
Bangladesh–China vs Bangladesh–India Dynamics: A Comparison
|
Aspect |
Bangladesh–India |
Bangladesh–China |
|
Geography |
Shared 4,000+ km land border |
No direct border |
|
Trade |
India is a top trading partner |
China is Bangladesh’s largest import source |
|
Security Cooperation |
Joint border patrols, anti-terror, maritime support |
China supplies arms, infrastructure surveillance |
|
Infrastructure Projects |
Roads, rail, energy grids, water-sharing dialogue |
Mega-projects: ports (e.g., Payra), Padma Bridge |
|
Diplomatic Engagement |
Regular summits, cultural ties, shared history |
Focused on economic diplomacy |
|
Strategic Concerns |
Cross-border infiltration, Rohingya crisis |
Debt diplomacy, dual-use infrastructure |
Significance
- This meeting marks a strategic recalibration in India–Bangladesh relations, navigating a sensitive political transition in Dhaka.
- India aims to protect its strategic interests, maintain border stability, and ensure minority safety, while avoiding overt interference in Bangladesh’s internal politics.
Genome study: 180 million genetic variants found in 9,772 individuals
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 09th April 2025 Home / Genome study: 180 million genetic variants found in 9,772 individuals Why
RBI slashes repo- rate
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10th April 2025 Home / RBI slashes repo- rate Why in News? RBI reduced the repo
What does a bear market mean for Wall Street?
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10th April 2025 Home / What does a bear market mean for Wall Street? Why in
Cabinet approves irrigation scheme for ‘modernising’ water management
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10th April 2025 Home / Cabinet approves irrigation scheme for ‘modernising’ water management Why in News?
India ends transshipment facility for Bangladesh exports, cites congestion
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10th April 2025 Home / India ends transshipment facility for Bangladesh exports, cites congestion Why in
Centre approves ₹63,000-crore deal for procuring 26 Rafale-M jets from France
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10th April 2025 Home / Centre approves ₹63,000-crore deal for procuring 26 Rafale-M jets from France
Donald Trump raises taxes on Chinese imports to 125%, pauses tariffs on most nations for 90 days
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10th April 2025 Home / Donald Trump raises taxes on Chinese imports to 125%, pauses tariffs
Union Cabinet approves ₹22,919 Cr scheme for promoting electronics component manufacturing
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 09th April 2025 Home / Union Cabinet approves ₹22,919 Cr scheme for promoting electronics component manufacturing
