Jaishankar Warns Bangladesh on Anti-India Rhetoric, Raises Concerns Over USAID Activities
New Delhi, February 23, 2025 – External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has issued a strong warning to Bangladesh, expressing concerns over repeated attacks on minorities in the country and the growing anti-India rhetoric from Dhaka. Speaking at the Delhi University Literature Festival, Jaishankar emphasized that such incidents have a direct impact on India’s diplomatic stance toward its eastern neighbor.
“The spate of attacks on minorities in Bangladesh obviously impacts our thinking. It is something we have to speak up about, which we have done,” Jaishankar stated.
He further urged Bangladesh to clarify its position on its ties with India, stating that Dhaka cannot expect normal relations while continuously blaming India for its internal issues.
“They have their politics, but at the end of the day, we are neighbors. They have to make up their minds on what kind of relationship they want to have with us,” he said.
Escalating Tensions in India-Bangladesh Relations
Tensions between India and Bangladesh have been on the rise since the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024 following months of student-led protests. Hasina fled to New Delhi, where she currently resides, despite repeated extradition requests from the interim government led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.
The new government in Bangladesh has frequently accused India of interfering in its internal affairs, blaming New Delhi for its political and economic struggles. Jaishankar dismissed these accusations as “absolutely ridiculous.”
“You cannot, on one hand, say you want good relations with us, but every morning wake up and blame India for everything that goes wrong,” he remarked.
In response to this growing hostility, India summoned Bangladesh’s acting High Commissioner to express its displeasure over the rhetoric coming from Dhaka.
Jaishankar also highlighted India’s concerns over the safety of minorities, particularly Hindus, in Bangladesh. Despite New Delhi’s repeated calls for stronger protective measures, Dhaka has dismissed reports of violence against minorities as “fabrications by Indian media.”
Diplomatic Engagement Continues Amid Tensions
Despite these challenges, diplomatic engagement between the two nations has continued:
- Jaishankar met Bangladeshi Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain twice—at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2024 and again last week in Muscat, Oman.
- Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited Dhaka in December 2024 for foreign office consultations.
- The Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) held a Director General-level conference in New Delhi last week.
India Examining USAID Activities Amid Allegations from Trump Administration
Jaishankar also revealed that India is closely examining the activities of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) following allegations from the Trump administration that its funding has been misused to destabilize foreign governments.
“Some information has been put out there by the Trump administration, and obviously, that is concerning. It suggests activities aimed at pushing a certain narrative or viewpoint,” he said.
India is reviewing the allegations and has assured that necessary actions will be taken if required.
“USAID was allowed here in good faith to carry out good faith activities. Now, suggestions are being made in America that some activities were in bad faith. We are looking into it,” he stated.
Political Controversy Over USAID Funding in India
The USAID controversy has sparked political tensions in India, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress Party clashing over the issue:
- The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, recently canceled a $21 million USAID contract that was allegedly intended for voter turnout activities in India.
- Former U.S. President Donald Trump described the USAID funding as a “kickback scheme” designed to influence Indian elections.
- The BJP has accused Congress of seeking foreign intervention to undermine Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- Congress has called for greater transparency regarding USAID’s activities in India.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has termed the situation “deeply troubling” and assured that a detailed investigation is underway.
India Remains Vigilant on Regional and Global Developments
As tensions simmer between India and Bangladesh, and with concerns mounting over USAID’s alleged interference, New Delhi is closely monitoring the situation. Jaishankar has reiterated that India’s national interests will be safeguarded, and any foreign influence or internal destabilization efforts will be dealt with firmly.
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