Modi, Yunus hold talks on minorities, borders amid regional tensions

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus held talks on Thursday covering key regional concerns including the treatment of religious minorities, boundary tensions, and longstanding water-sharing disputes, according to official statements.

The bilateral meeting, lasting approximately 40 minutes, provided a platform for the two nations to address pressing issues that have strained relations in recent months. Among topics discussed were matters related to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled Bangladesh amid civil unrest earlier this year, as well as contested water treaties governing the Ganges and Teesta rivers.

The talks reflected New Delhi's effort to stabilize relations with its eastern neighbour following political turbulence that led to significant changes in Bangladesh's government structure. Water-sharing arrangements have long been a contentious issue between the two nations, with India and Bangladesh disagreeing over allocation from shared rivers that support millions of people across both countries.

Minority protection emerged as another focal point of discussions, underscoring international concern over communal tensions in Bangladesh following recent political transitions. The engagement signals both nations' willingness to engage diplomatically despite the complex issues dividing them.