External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Friday talked about India’s foreign policy in Lok Sabha, including its relationship with neighboring Bangladesh.
The Minister, in reply to Congress MP Manish Tewari’s concerns about India’s stand around “neighbourhood first” policy, emphasised India’s proactive role in strengthening ties with its neighbors. “India was the 8th country which the new President of the Maldives visited after being elected on an oust india campaign, and that too based upon their economic compulsions. Number two, Nepal. China was the first country the newly elected Nepalese Prime Ministert visited and signed on the Belt and Road Intitiave. Sri Lanka, 12.9 per cent of Sri Lanka’s external debt is held by China. Bhutan, the Sino-Bhutan border negotitions are in a very advanced stage and Doklam is in prey and Bangladesh continues to be in turmoil My question therefore is while India may have a neighbourhood first policyis there any neighbour of India that as an India-first policy?” Tewari had asked.
In response, Jaishankar acknowledged that while Bangladesh had been a significant partner in various development initiatives, there had been ongoing concerns, particularly related to the treatment of minorities. He noted the history of developmental projects in the region, stating, “It is our hope that with the new dispensation in Bangladesh, we will settle down to a mutually beneficial and stable relationship.”
He also mentioned that India has continuously raised concerns regarding incidents of violence against minorities in Bangladesh, pointing out that recent diplomatic engagements, such as the visit by India’s Foreign Secretary to Dhaka, had highlighted this issue. Jaishankar further said that “it is our expectation that in its own interest, Bangladesh would take measures so that its minorities are safe.”
The EAM further went on to talk about bilateral cooperation, referencing India’s role in development projects across the region. “In almost every one of our neighboring countries, with the exception of Pakistan and China, we have had important development projects. That is the case with Bangladesh as well.” Jaishankar said.
Meanwhile, reaffirming India’s commitment to a peaceful and cooperative neighborhood, Jaishankar said “It’s crucial that we are mature and don’t indulge in point-scoring. Our neighbors also have their politics, and it’s only natural that there will be ups and downs. However, our focus remains on ensuring stability and fostering collaboration.”
Jaishankar also made it clear that while India seeks good relations with all its neighbors, including Pakistan, the nature of the relationship would depend on Pakistan’s commitment to countering terrorism. “It is for Pakistan to show that they are changing their behavior,” he said, further reinforcing India’s position on maintaining strong, secure borders and fostering peaceful ties in the region.
