The India Bangladesh diplomatic tensions intensified further on Tuesday as India summons Bangladesh High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah for the second time in a week, underscoring growing friction between the two neighbouring countries.
The latest move came just hours after Dhaka called in India’s High Commissioner Pranay Verma to express concerns over the security of Bangladeshi diplomatic missions in India.
India Raises Alarm Over Mission Security
During the meeting, Indian officials lodged a strong protest over what they described as a “deteriorating security situation” around Indian diplomatic premises in Bangladesh. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it conveyed serious concerns regarding activities of what it termed “extremist elements” allegedly targeting Indian missions.
“We expect the interim government to ensure the safety of Indian missions and posts in Bangladesh in keeping with its diplomatic obligations,” the MEA said in a statement. It added that Hamidullah’s attention was drawn to public announcements by certain groups that could create a threatening environment around the Indian High Commission in Dhaka.
India Rejects ‘False Narrative’
India Summons Bangladesh High Commissioner India also rejected what it called a “false narrative” being spread by extremist elements about recent developments in Bangladesh. The MEA said it was “unfortunate” that the interim government had neither conducted a thorough investigation nor shared substantive evidence with India regarding the incidents.
Reiterating its position, India said it supports peace and stability in Bangladesh and backs free, fair, inclusive, and credible elections conducted in a peaceful atmosphere.
Dhaka Voices Concern Over Protests in India
Earlier in the day, Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry summoned Pranay Verma and conveyed what it described as “grave concern” over incidents outside the Bangladesh High Commission and the High Commissioner’s residence in New Delhi on December 20. It also referred to acts of vandalism at the Bangladesh Visa Centre in Siliguri on December 22.
According to Dhaka, it is also “deeply concerned” about violent protests outside Bangladeshi diplomatic missions across India. As these exchanges continue, the India Bangladesh diplomatic tensions reflect a sensitive phase in bilateral ties, with both sides pressing for security assurances and restraint.
