‘Theoretical discussion’ – India on media reports about Bangladesh elections

Last Updated on August 22, 2023 9:10 am

The spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday described the recent media reports about “India’s reservations about the US visa policy and a pro-activism over Bangladesh” as a “theoretical discussion ”.

“Let me clarify yours on the last one is certainly in the realm of…you know…theoretical discussion or hypothetical… if the meeting happens……this is not the venue to discuss bilateral issues with Bangladesh,” Arindam Bagchi said during a special briefing.

He was moderating the briefing by Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to South Africa for BRICS.

The spokesperson was replying to a BBC News journalist about India’s stance on the issue.

The journalist also asked about Bangladesh’s joining the BRICS and the possibility of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s meeting with Modi in Johannesburg on the sidelines.

The foreign secretary replied that the bilateral meetings on the sidelines were “still evolving” since there would be a large number of leaders present there.

Once it is fixed, he said they would “definitely” share it with the media.

He, however, did not make any comment on the US’s role in Bangladesh elections.

Earlier, Kolkata-based “Anandabazar Patrika” first reported that India had conveyed to the US that “the way various steps are being taken by the US to destabilize the Sheikh Hasina government is not positive for the overall security of India as a neighboring country and South Asia as a whole.”

“India is not happy with the current role of America centering the upcoming elections in Bangladesh and this message has also been conveyed to Washington,” said the newspaper quoting unnamed sources.

Washington announced a visa policy in which the state department would restrict visas to those who stood in the way of holding the upcoming general elections free and fair.