**Executive Summary**
This document presents the answer to Unstarred Question No. 1343 in the Lok Sabha on February 6, 2026, concerning bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh. It addresses concerns about a sensitive phase in the relationship, Pakistan's potential exploitation of the situation, and discussions regarding the safety of minority citizens in Bangladesh. The document outlines India's stance and actions regarding these issues.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **India-Bangladesh Relations:**
* India and Bangladesh share deep historical, geographical, cultural, linguistic, and social linkages.
* Bilateral relations are focused on people-centric development.
* Meetings and exchanges continue under institutional bilateral mechanisms.
* India supports a democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive, and inclusive Bangladesh.
* **India's Position:**
* India's relationship with Bangladesh is independent of its relationship with third countries.
* The Government monitors developments affecting India's national interests.
* The Government takes all necessary measures to safeguard India's national interests.
* **Safety and Security of Minorities in Bangladesh:**
* India consistently raises the matter of the safety and security of minorities in Bangladesh with the authorities, including at the highest level.
* The issue was raised by the Prime Minister during his meeting with Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus on 04 April 2025.
* The issue was also raised by the External Affairs Minister during his meeting with Foreign Advisor Touhid Hossain on 16 February 2025.
* The Government continues to monitor reports concerning the safety of minorities in Bangladesh.
* The primary responsibility to safeguard the life, liberty, and welfare of all citizens of Bangladesh rests with the Government of Bangladesh.
**Impact Analysis**
**Government of India**
* **Impact:** Requires continued monitoring of India-Bangladesh relations, assessment of threats to national interests, and engagement with the Bangladeshi government regarding the safety of minorities.
* **Action Required:** Maintain diplomatic efforts, gather intelligence, and formulate policies to safeguard national interests and support the security of minorities in Bangladesh.
**Government of Bangladesh**
* **Impact:** Subject to ongoing scrutiny regarding the safety and security of its minority citizens.
* **Action Required:** Ensure the life, liberty, and welfare of all citizens, including religious and ethnic minorities.
Key Entities Referenced
Bangladesh: Country central to bilateral relations with India; safety and security of minorities within Bangladesh is a concern raised.
India: Country engaged in bilateral relations with Bangladesh; raises concerns about the safety and security of minorities in Bangladesh.
Ministry of External Affairs: Indian ministry responsible for addressing the parliamentary question on bilateral relations with Bangladesh.
Lok Sabha: The lower house of the Indian Parliament where the question regarding India-Bangladesh relations was raised.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO – 1343
ANSWERED ON – 06/02/2026
BILATERAL RELATIONS BETWEEN INDIA AND BANGLADESH
†1343 : SHRI GIRIDHARI YADAV
SHRI DINESH CHANDRA YADAV
SHRI RAMPRIT MANDAL
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh are
currently going through a sensitive phase, if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether Pakistan is attempting to take advantage of this situation,
which could be detrimental to the country, if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has held any discussions with the interim
Government of Bangladesh regarding the reported public killings of
minority citizens, particularly Hindus, in that country; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
1ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)
(a to d) India and Bangladesh, as neighbouring countries, share deep
historical, geographical, cultural, linguistic and social linkages. Our
bilateral relations are focused towards people-centric development.
Several exchanges and meetings under institutional bilateral mechanisms
have continued to take place between both the countries. India’s support
for a democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh
has been conveyed to the interim Government in all relevant engagements.
India’s relationship with Bangladesh is independent of its relationship
with third countries. The Government continues to monitor developments
having a bearing on India’s national interests and takes all necessary
measures to safeguard them.
India has consistently raised the matter of safety and security of
minorities with the authorities in Bangladesh on all relevant occasions,
including at the highest level. The issue was raised by the Prime Minister
during his meeting with Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus on 04 April 2025
2and by the External Affairs Minister during his meeting with Foreign
Advisor Touhid Hossain on 16 February 2025.
The Government continues to monitor reports concerning the safety of
minorities in Bangladesh. It is the primary responsibility of the Government
of Bangladesh to safeguard the life, liberty and welfare of all citizens of
Bangladesh, including religious and ethnic minorities.
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