Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri reached Dhaka on Monday morning amid tensions over atrocities on the Hindu community there.
He will hold Foreign Office Consultations with his Bangladeshi counterpart Md Jashim Uddin later in the day.
The visit comes against the backdrop of heightened concerns over reported atrocities against the Hindu minority under the Mohammad Yunus regime and the arrest of a prominent Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das.
It also marks the first high-level diplomatic engagement from New Delhi to Dhaka following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024 and her subsequent flight to India after large-scale anti-government protests rocked Bangladesh.
Vikram Misri's visit is to participate in the Foreign Office Consultations, a mechanism to address bilateral issues and foster dialogue. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed the meeting last week, emphasising India's commitment to addressing growing challenges in its eastern neighbour.
This development follows an earlier meeting in September between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Bangladesh's Foreign Affairs Advisor Md Touhid Hossain on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. That meeting, the first high-level interaction after Hasina's ouster, focused on strengthening bilateral relations amid an increasingly strained atmosphere.
India has expressed deep concern over rising extremist rhetoric, growing incidents of violence, and provocations against the Hindu community in Bangladesh. Misri's visit is expected to address these pressing issues and explore avenues for stabilising bilateral relations during a time of significant turmoil.
Hindus all over the world have also been shocked by multiple attacks on the community and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh.
"We are concerned about the surge in extremist rhetoric, increasing incidents of violence, and provocations. These developments cannot be dismissed only as media exaggerations. We once again call upon Bangladesh to take all steps for the protection of all minorities," the MEA had stated previously.
Only Tripura tableau from NE to be displayed at R-Day parade
From the eight northeastern states, only the Tripura tableau will be displayed this year during the Republic Day parade on Kartavya Path in New Delhi, officials said on Thursday.
Manipur on alert to prevent infiltrators from B'desh: CM Biren Singh
Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Thursday said that the state on its eastern side has been facing illegal infiltration problems from Myanmar, adding an alert is also being maintained in the state's western as well as southern regions to block the illegal entry of people from the neighbouring country.
Foreign cigarettes valued at 3.38 crore seized in Mizoram, one arrested
Foreign cigarettes valued at Rs 3.38 crore were seized from Tuichang bridge areas of Lawngtlai district in Mizoram and one person was arrested in this connection, officials said on Thursday.
Colorful rally of Netaji Subhash Vidyaniketan dazzles in Agartala to mark Netaji’s birthday
Like every year, this year too, the colourful tableaus of Netaji Subhas Vidyaniketan school here at Agartala rolled over the streets of the capital town and captivated all with its dazzling display of culture and heritage.
NCLAT stays CCI ban on WhatsApp, Meta evaluating next steps
Mark Zuckerberg-run Meta on Thursday said it welcomes the decision of the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) to stay the ban imposed by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) on WhatsApp and will evaluate next steps.
Delhi elections: Parties scale up poll campaign, top leaders to address rallies
With less than a fortnight to go for Delhi Assembly elections, the electioneering is reaching a feversish pitch with top leaders of respective parties hitting the streets to woo the electorate.
I-T raids on leading Tollywood filmmakers continue for third day
The raids were also continuing on the leading production houses Mythri Movie Makers and Mango Media. The department has not yet come out with a statement about the searches but it is believed that it identified a mismatch between the revenues earned by some recent movies and the income tax paid.
One of the greatest sons of Bharat Mata: Prez Murmu pays tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose
President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday paid homage to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his 127th birth anniversary, acknowledging his monumental role in India's freedom struggle and his enduring legacy.