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India's Balanced Diplomacy: EAM Jaishankar Attends Khaleda Zia's Funeral in Dhaka

Foreign affairs expert Robinder Sachdev stated that EAM S Jaishankar's visit to Dhaka for former PM Khaleda Zia's funeral reflects India's mature and balanced diplomatic approach. He emphasized the visit was both protocol-appropriate and a necessary gesture of goodwill amid Bangladesh's charged political environment. The expert noted India remains concerned about minority safety while supporting Bangladesh's democratic journey. Jaishankar's brief trip included delivering a condolence letter from PM Modi to Khaleda Zia's family.

Key Points: India's Diplomatic Gesture at Khaleda Zia's Funeral Shows Balanced Approach

  • Diplomatic protocol followed
  • Signal of stability in bilateral ties
  • Gesture amid political turmoil
  • Concern for minority safety
3 min read

Shows India continues to be balanced, equanimous towards Bangladesh: Foreign Affairs expert on EAM's visit to Khaleda Zia's funeral

Expert analysis on EAM Jaishankar's visit to Dhaka for Khaleda Zia's funeral, highlighting India's balanced, protocol-driven diplomacy amid Bangladesh's political turmoil.

"It shows that India continues to be balanced and equanimous towards Bangladesh. – Robinder Sachdev"

New Delhi, January 1

Foreign Affairs expert Robinder Sachdev on Thursday stated that the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's visit to attend the funeral of former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Khaleda Zia, reflects India's balanced and mature approach towards its neighbour, noting that it was the "right thing" that New Delhi did amid such a sensitive political environment in the country.

Sachdev said that the External Affairs Minister's presence in Dhaka at a moment of national mourning was both appropriate and necessary.

He further emphasised that EAM Jaishankar's visit followed diplomatic protocol and conveyed India's intent to maintain stability and goodwill in bilateral relations.

"The visit of the External Affairs Minister, Jaishankar, to Dhaka on the occasion of Khaleda Zia's funeral, I think, is the most correct thing to do, and India is doing that. Bangladesh is our neighbour, our cultural sibling, and at a moment of loss of a significant leader, I think it is very appropriate for India, by Prime Minister Modi, to send a letter of condolence," Sachdev said.

"I think the visit was the right thing that India could do. It was required, it was protocol, and it shows that India continues to be balanced and equanimous towards Bangladesh, and that we look forward to the situation improving in the coming months," he added.

The Foreign Affairs expert noted that Bangladesh is currently experiencing internal political turmoil, making the diplomatic gesture even more significant.

He added that India remains concerned about the safety and security of minorities in the neighbouring country while wishing Bangladesh well in its democratic journey.

"Currently, the political environment in Bangladesh is very much charged up due to its internal turmoil and India is cornered. We are also concerned about the safety and security of minorities in Bangladesh. We wish Bangladesh the best of its democracy," he stated.

His remark comes a day after the EAM represented India at the funeral of former Bangladesh prime minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party Chairperson, Khaleda Zia.

During his visit, the EAM met her son and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman in Dhaka and handed over a condolence letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Jaishankar's visit to the Bangladeshi capital lasted around four hours and took place amid strained relations between New Delhi and Dhaka since the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus assumed office.

India has repeatedly raised concerns over the security situation in Bangladesh, particularly incidents targeting minority communities, particularly Hindus.

Begum Khaleda Zia passed away at the age of 80 on Tuesday while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. She was admitted there on November 23 with a lung infection.

The former Prime Minister has been suffering from various physical ailments, including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, liver cirrhosis, and kidney complications, for a long time, and earlier this month, she was sent to London for advanced medical treatment for her ailments.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good diplomatic step. We must maintain good relations with all parties in Bangladesh for long-term stability. However, I sincerely hope our government's concerns about the safety of minorities there are being communicated strongly behind the scenes. That cannot be compromised.
A
Aman W
Protocol is important, but actions speak louder. Attending the funeral is a good gesture, but what matters more is ensuring our brothers and sisters in Bangladesh are safe. The expert mentioned our concern - that should be the headline, not just the visit.
S
Sarah B
As an observer of South Asian politics, this is a smart move by India. It shows neutrality in Bangladesh's complex political landscape. Sending the EAM, not a junior official, signals the importance of the relationship. A balanced approach is crucial for regional peace.
V
Vikram M
Jaishankar Sir always handles diplomacy with a firm yet graceful hand. This visit maintains the cultural and historical bond we share with Bangladesh. We are family, and families stand by each other in times of grief. Hope this paves the way for better cooperation.
K
Karthik V
Respect for the departed is a universal value. This was the correct thing to do. India's foreign policy under Modi ji has been about building bridges and showing leadership in the neighbourhood. This is a small but significant step in that direction.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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