NEW DELHI: India expressed serious concern on Friday over what it described as continuing hostility and violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh, including Hindus, Christians, and Buddhists, and strongly condemned the recent killing of a Hindu youth in the country.
Responding to media queries in New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India was closely monitoring developments in Bangladesh and expected those responsible for the crime to be brought to justice. “The unremitting hostility against minorities in Bangladesh at the hands of extremist is a matter of grave concern. We condemn the recent killing of a Hindu youth in Bangladesh and expect that the perpetrators of the crime will be brought to justice,” he said.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted that India rejects the “false anti-India narrative” being projected in Bangladesh and stressed that maintaining law and order and security is the responsibility of the Bangladesh interim government. He said, “More than 2,900 incidents of violence against minorities have been documented by sources during the tenure of the interim government. These incidents cannot be brushed aside as mere media exaggerations or dismissed as political violence.”
India calls for ‘free and fair elections’ in Bangladesh
The MEA spokesperson reiterated India’s consistent support for democratic processes in Bangladesh, calling for free and fair elections in the neighbouring country.
Responding to media queries, Randhir Jaiswal said India remained committed to strengthening ties with the people of Bangladesh and emphasised peace and stability in the country.
“India stands for strengthening our ties with the people of Bangladesh. We favour peace and stability in Bangladesh and have consistently called for free, fair, inclusive and participatory elections in Bangladesh,” he said.
MEA extends support after Indian student dies in Canada
Responding to the questions relating the death of an Indian student in Canada, Jaiswal expressed condolences and confirmed that the MEA is in touch with the family. “It’s very unfortunate. We convey our deepest condolences. We are also in touch with local authorities about the circumstances led to the death… Our consulate is extending all possible support to the family,” he said.
India remains committed to bringing fugitives back
Addressing questions about cases involving Lalit Modi and Vijay Mallya, MEA reiterated India’s commitment to bringing fugitives wanted under Indian law back to the country.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We remain fully committed that people who are fugitives and wanted by law in India, return to the country. For this, we are in talks with several governments and processes are on… There are several layers of legalities involved but we remain committed to bringing them back to the country so they can face trial before the courts here.”
India-EU FTA talks progressing: MEA
Responding to queries on the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Jaiswal said the negotiations are ongoing. “They are progressing. The 14th round of FTA was held in Brussels in October. The team then visited India and thereafter the US trade commissioner was also here in December. He had to discuss other outstanding issues. Both sides remain engaged and we will see how we can take this conversation forward,” he said.
India-US trade talks continue for fair and balanced agreement
On the India-US bilateral trade agreement, the MEA stated that discussions remain active. “Both the governments continue to remain engaged with a view to concluding a fair, balanced and mutually beneficial trade agreement… The US Dy trade representative was recently in India,” Jaiswal added.
Agencies