PM Modi Unlikely to Meet Bangladesh’s Interim Chief Muhammad Yunus at UNGA

Prime Minister Modi is unlikely to meet Bangladesh’s interim chief Muhammad Yunus at the UNGA despite Dhaka’s request. Strained India-Bangladesh relations, fueled by Yunus' recent comments and calls for Sheikh Hasina's extradition, have contributed to the decision. Modi's visit will focus on key multilateral meetings.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is not expected to meet Muhammad Yunus, the head of Bangladesh’s interim government, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) next week, according to sources familiar with the matter. Despite a formal request from Bangladesh earlier this month, the meeting does not appear on Modi’s schedule.

Both leaders are set to attend the UNGA in New York, with Yunus reportedly hoping to clear recent tensions between the two nations following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government. However, Indian officials have indicated that comments made by Yunus and members of the interim government about India-Bangladesh relations have not been well-received in New Delhi.

Yunus recently criticized former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and suggested her potential extradition from India. These remarks, along with near-daily statements from other officials critical of India, have contributed to the strain in bilateral relations. Despite these issues, Prime Minister Modi will focus on a packed three-day visit, which includes attending the Quad Leaders' Summit and the Summit of the Future at the UNGA.

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While Modi will hold several bilateral meetings during his trip, including potentially with world leaders like former US President Donald Trump, a meeting with Yunus is not part of the official agenda.