Politics
PM Modi Pens Letter to Bangladesh’s Yunus, Nods to 1971 War Ahead of BIMSTEC Summit
In a significant diplomatic gesture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written to Bangladeshi Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, invoking their nations’ “shared sacrifices” during the 1971 Liberation War. The letter comes days before the BIMSTEC summit in New Delhi, where regional cooperation will take center stage.
Key Highlights from PM Modi’s Letter
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to Bangladesh’s interim leader, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, on March 26, 2025, spotlighting their “shared history” from the 1971 Liberation War. Sent on Bangladesh’s Independence Day, the letter’s a warm-up for next week’s BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok.
- 1971 War Legacy: Called it a “testament” to the sacrifices that built India-Bangladesh bonds.
- Yunus’ Nod: Gave a shoutout to his microfinance work lifting millions from poverty.
- BIMSTEC Pitch: Pushed for teamwork rooted in “mutual sensitivity” for peace and growth.
Why This Timing Matters
- BIMSTEC Summit (April 3-4): Bangkok’s hosting—trade, security, and climate are on deck.
- Tense Ties: India’s wary after Hasina’s ouster in August 2024; Yunus’ crew wants her extradited.
- China’s Shadow: Delhi’s countering Beijing’s cozying up to Dhaka—think Yunus’ China trip this week.
The 1971 Liberation War Context
- India’s Play: Sheltered 10 million refugees, backed the Mukti Bahini to kick Pakistan out.
- Today’s Link: Trade’s at $14 billion, but Teesta water talks and minority attacks are sore spots.
- Yunus’ Angle: He’s slammed Bangladesh’s old regime—now he’s steering the interim ship.
BIMSTEC’s Strategic Importance
- Who’s In: India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan.
- What’s Up: Free trade zones, terror crackdowns, Rohingya mess, sea routes, hydropower deals.
- The Goal: Glue the Bay of Bengal crew together—India’s betting big on it over SAARC.
Reactions & Analysis
- “Modi’s playing nice but firm—reminding Dhaka who stood by them in ’71,” says a Jindal School prof.
- “Yunus has cred—India’s outreach might dodge flak on its own turf,” reckons a Dhaka analyst.
What’s Next?
- BIMSTEC Wins: Deals on disaster prep and digital cash could land in Bangkok.
- Modi-Yunus Faceoff: Dhaka’s pushing for a sit-down—India’s still mum, but they’ll cross paths.
- Rough Waters: Hasina’s exile and Hindu attack claims keep the pot simmering.
