India
Our concerns over attacks on minorities brought to Bangladesh’s attention: Jaishankar in Lok Sabha | India News – Times of India
The minister, responding to Congress MP Manish Tewari’s concerns over India’s stance on the ‘neighborhood first’ policy, emphasized India’s proactive role in strengthening ties with its neighbors. “India was the eighth country that the new president of the Maldives visited after he was elected during a campaign to oust India, and that was also based on their economic coercion. Number two, Nepal. China was the first country that the newly elected Nepalese Prime Minister visited and Sri Lanka’s Belt and Road Initiative means that 12.9 percent of Sri Lanka’s foreign debt is held by Bhutan. The border negotiations between China and Bhutan are at a very advanced stage and Doklam is a prey and Bangladesh remains in turmoil. My question is therefore whether India might be one neighborhood first policyIs there any neighboring country of India that has an India-first policy?” Tewari had asked.
In response, Jaishankar acknowledged that while Bangladesh had been a key partner in several development initiatives, there were lingering concerns, especially regarding the treatment of minorities. Noting the history of development projects in the region, he said: “It is our hope that we will build a mutually beneficial and stable relationship with the new dispensation in Bangladesh.”
He also mentioned that India has consistently raised concerns over incidents of violence against minorities in Bangladesh, pointing out that recent diplomatic engagements such as the visit of the Indian Foreign Minister to Dhaka had highlighted the issue. Jaishankar further said that “it is our expectation that Bangladesh will take measures in its own interest so that its minorities are safe.”
The EAM continued to talk about bilateral cooperation, referring to India’s role in development projects across the region. “In almost all our neighboring countries, with the exception of Pakistan and China, we have had important development projects. This is also the case with Bangladesh.” Jaishankar said.
Meanwhile, Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s commitment to a peaceful and cooperative neighborhood: “It is crucial that we are mature and not indulge in point-scoring. Our neighbors have their politics too, and it’s only natural that there will be ups and downs. However, our focus remains on ensuring stability and promoting cooperation.”
Jaishankar also made it clear that while India seeks good relations with all its neighbors, including Pakistan, the nature of the relationship would depend on Pakistan’s commitment to combating terrorism. “It is up to Pakistan to show that they are changing their behavior,” he said, further strengthening India’s position in maintaining strong, secure borders and promoting peaceful ties in the region.
