The Joe Biden initiated phone call to Narendra Modi on Monday was notable for the Bangladesh situation not figuring in the US readout of the talks. The White House statement focused on Modi’s recent visit to Poland and Ukraine.
It said “The President commended the Prime Minister for his historic visits to Poland and Ukraine, the first by an Indian prime minister in decades and for his message of peace and ongoing humanitarian support for Ukraine.”
The statement said both leaders expressed “support for a peaceful resolution of the conflict in accordance with international law, on the basis of the UN Charter.”
There was no reference to Modi’s concern about “India’s full support for early return of peace and stability (in Bangladesh).”
Nor was there any reference to Modi’s call for “early restoration of normalcy and safety of minorities, especially Hindus in Bangladesh.”
A former Indian diplomat, with long experience of the US, spoke to Stratnewsglobal regarding this. He said that since the call was initiated by Biden, it naturally focused on what he wanted to convey. His priority was Ukraine and Poland and to pat Modi on the back. Quad was another since it forms one of the platforms where Washington engages Delhi.
Why Washington Forgot Bangladesh
The omission of Bangladesh may reinforce speculation about a US role in the overthrow of Sheikh Hasina. The diplomat pointed out that the head of the interim government in Dhaka, Mohammad Yunus, is known to be close to the US. And reflecting India’s concern about Hindus and other minorities may not sit well in Dhaka.
“Just as India’s view of Russia differs sharply from that of the US, the latter’s view on developments in Bangladesh may not reflect India’s concerns,” he said.
He added, the US interest in Bangladesh is driven by the need to reduce or eliminate China’s influence and build its own. What India thinks is of less import.
