In the wake of rising tensions between India and Bangladesh, External Affairs minister S Jaishankar met with Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Advisor Tauheed Hussain was held in Muscat over the weekend. Both ministers used the opportunity to discuss various aspects of their bilateral relations, with a focus on regional cooperation through BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation).

This meeting comes at a critical time, as India and Bangladesh continue to navigate sensitive geopolitical issues. An important conference between India’s Border Security Force (BSF) and Bangladesh’s Border Guard (BGB) is taking place in New Delhi today, further highlighting the importance of cross-border dialogue and cooperation.

Bilateral Talks and Strengthening BIMSTEC Cooperation

Jaishankar and Hussain met on the sidelines of the 8th Indian Ocean Conference in Muscat. The talks, as Jaishankar later shared on social media, centered on “our bilateral relations and BIMSTEC,” underscoring the importance of maintaining peaceful and productive ties between the two nations.

BIMSTEC, which includes seven countries: Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Bhutan, and Nepal, is an essential platform for regional cooperation. Bangladesh is set to host the upcoming BIMSTEC summit, which will take place in Bangkok from April 2 to 4. The summit is seen as an opportunity for the participating countries to deepen ties and address common challenges in sectors like trade, security, and climate change.

Regional Relations: Shifts and Challenges

India has expressed concerns over the growing alignment between Bangladesh’s interim government and Pakistan. Since the coup that saw Sheikh Hasina’s ousting in August, Bangladesh has shown increasing diplomatic warmth toward Pakistan, a shift that has raised concerns in India.

India has raised objections to rising incidents of violence against minorities, particularly Hindus, in Bangladesh, and continues to engage diplomatically to improve relations. Furthermore, India has voiced concerns over reports that Bangladesh has allowed Pakistan’s intelligence agency (ISI) and military officials to visit sensitive areas near the Indian border. These developments have placed India’s intelligence agencies on high alert.

Despite these challenges, the recent meeting between Jaishankar and Hussain marks the second such engagement between the two foreign ministers in recent months, following their first meeting in the United States.

In an official statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs on February 17, 2025, Jaishankar delivered the keynote address, emphasizing India’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and ensuring a stable and prosperous Indian Ocean region.

Additionally, Jaishankar held bilateral talks with Sayyid Badr Albusaidi, Oman’s Foreign Minister. The leaders reviewed the full spectrum of India-Oman relations and discussed opportunities for enhancing cooperation. Jaishankar also expressed his appreciation for Oman’s support in fostering stronger India-Oman ties.

The visit also included the unveiling of a special logo commemorating 70 years of diplomatic relations between India and Oman, as well as the launch of the book Mandvi to Muscat: Indian Community and the Shared History of India and Oman. The book highlights the long-standing ties between the two countries, particularly the Indian diaspora in Oman.

On the sidelines of the conference, Jaishankar engaged in bilateral talks with foreign ministers from several countries, including Brunei, Bangladesh, Iran, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, and Nepal. These discussions focused on regional and global issues of mutual concern and reinforced India’s commitment to deeper engagement with the Indian Ocean region.