MODI CONVEYS STRONG DISPLEASURE TO YUNUS FOR ATROCITIES AGAINST HINDUS IN BANGLADESH: Dr CHANDRA

Reflecting on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s latest visit to Sri Lanka and Thailand, Dr Jagdeesh Chandra said Prime Minister Narendra Modi demonstrated sharp strategic diplomacy during his recent foreign visits, particularly regarding Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. He stressed that Modi gave a clear warning to Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus over atrocities against Hindu minorities and North-East interference. Dr Chandra emphasized that the meeting was reluctant, and India no longer trusts Bangladesh’s intentions. He also highlighted growing concerns over the China-Bangladesh-Pakistan axis. On Sri Lanka, Dr Chandra noted Modi’s diplomatic win — securing defence cooperation, public assurances of pro-India neutrality, and even Opposition party support. Domestically, he pointed to PM Narendra Modi’s sharp rebuttal to Stalin and Amit Shah’s focused Tamil Nadu strategy, predicting possible major political realignment in the state. (Part II)

• During his Thailand visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave a stern message to Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. How do you view that?
  Dr Jagdeesh Chandra: Modi is basically upset with Yunus. He likely wonders how someone so irresponsible became the head of a nation. He gave him a clear message – stop atrocities against Hindu minorities. Not just stop them, but investigate and punish the guilty. Modi said this explicitly. Yunus claimed these are inflated media reports and even invited Indian media to see for themselves. But there are proofs – temples destroyed, attacks on Hindus. Modi didn’t shy away from raising the issue, which is commendable. He doesn’t forget Indian citizens even while abroad. Whenever issues concerning Indian citizens arise, he takes them up. RSS must be very pleased – they had long been asking for this to be addressed. Modi seized the opportunity and delivered a clear message. Now let’s see how much Yunus pays heed. But Modi has done his job well.
   
• PM Modi objected to Yunus’ comment during his China visit about the North-East. What was the controversy?
  Yunus was a guest in China and behaved out of proportion. He made a careless statement that he’s the boss or guardian of the Bay of Bengal – the maritime zone near India. He invited China to bring their projects there, which is highly objectionable. India’s foreign ministry must have objected. Assam’s Chief Minister called it a proactive subject, an attempts at strategic manipulation. The Indian government opposed it. When Modi visited, I’m sure he told him clearly: keep off North-East. This was the controversy – Yunus’ behaviour was inappropriate and irresponsible. Such statements are not made in diplomatic culture. So yes, Modi surely had a word with him.
   
• Is it true that Prime Minister Narendra Modi wasn’t keen on meeting Yunus? Why?
  I believe so. The pictures show no warmth. Usually, such meetings involve personal chats, photo ops – none of that happened. It seemed like a reluctant meeting. Modi probably felt let down by Bangladesh’s recent actions. Reports suggest that in December too, Yunus had sought a meeting, but the foreign ministry showed no enthusiasm. This time, due to BIMSTEC, the meeting was arranged. But Modi likely met him just to deliver a stern message. We don’t know the full content of the meeting, but it seemed formal and strained. The meeting happened out of necessity, not willingness.
   
• Did Modi and Yunus discuss the issue of illegal Bangladeshi infiltration into India?
  Yes, I’ve read that it definitely came up. Modi raised it firmly – that cross-border infiltration must be effectively stopped. The enforcement mechanism needs to be implemented strongly. This is crucial for border security and stability. I’m certain Modi conveyed this message clearly. And Yunus must’ve given some assurance in response. The Indian government, especially the Home Ministry, is very alert about this. But yes, Modi certainly brought it up during the talks.
   
• Is India willing to extradite Sheikh Hasina and send her back to Bangladesh?
  I don’t think so. There’s no official confirmation that this topic was discussed in the meeting. Some informal sources suggest there might have been light conversation around it. But Modi’s stand is clear – our friendship, agreements, and understanding are with the government of Bangladesh.
   
• Bangladesh, seemingly blinded by its anti-India stance, has invited Chinese companies to develop a port near Kolkata and an airbase near the strategic Chicken’s Neck corridor. How do you assess these developments?
  Both developments are extremely serious and pose a significant threat to India’s national security. China is virtually at our doorstep now. The Mongla Port, which is being discussed, is barely 200 kilometers from Kolkata. If China establishes a presence across the Bay of Bengal, it will inevitably begin surveillance over the entire region. China is investing nearly 400 million dollars to develop this port, and Bangladesh has asked China to take charge of its development. Effectively, it means the port is now under China’s control. This is a very serious development. As for the Chicken’s Neck region, Bangladesh is constructing an airbase, but it has invited Pakistan to assist in its development. Pakistani engineers and personnel from the Pakistan Air Force are involved in training there. On one hand, you have China entering the picture, and on the other, Pakistan. When viewed together, this emerging China-Bangladesh-Pakistan nexus represents a grave threat. It’s a new combination, and it must be taken seriously.
   
• During Prime Minister Modi’s visit, the Sri Lankan President publicly stated that Sri Lankan territory would not be used for any anti-India activity. What is the strategic significance of this statement?
  Strategically, this is a major diplomatic victory for Prime Minister Modi. The Sri Lankan President made this bold statement in public, despite Sri Lanka’s heavy debt dependency on China. It was a display of moral courage. Standing on an international platform, he asserted that Sri Lankan soil would not be used against India. He also emphasized Sri Lanka’s commitment to ensuring regional security. For Modi, such a public commitment from the Sri Lankan leadership is a huge vote of confidence. The implications of this will be seen when China next engages with Sri Lanka. Regardless of what China might communicate behind closed doors, this public statement sends a strong signal: during Modi’s visit, the Sri Lankan President aligned himself completely with India’s strategic interests. He sounded more like an Indian statesman than a foreign leader. It’s a clear win for India’s foreign policy.
   
• The bilateral agreements between India and Sri Lanka have even received support from Sri Lanka’s Opposition parties. How do you view this unusual development?
  This is yet another extraordinary diplomatic moment for PM Narendra Modi. It’s extremely rare for opposition parties to support a foreign leader’s agreements. Typically, opposition parties oppose government decisions on principle. But in this case, across party lines, even political opponents came forward to meet Modi and publicly supported the agreements. It’s an unusual but true incident, and another major diplomatic success.
   
• Amit Shah has been very active in Tamil Nadu recently, openly challenging Stalin. Will the Modi-Shah mission succeed there this time?
  With Modi’s leadership and Amit Shah’s onground strategy, political miracles can certainly happen — and they already have in other parts of the country. I’ve heard that Amit Shah is now fully focused on Tamil Nadu. In the past 20 days, three prominent Tamil Nadu leaders have reportedly met him. Their strategy appears to be to unite all anti-DMK forces, beginning with rebuilding ties with the AIADMK. The first step was to remove Annamalai, who opposed such an alliance, to prevent a split in the party. There’s talk that Shah’s team is reaching out to veteran leaders — people who worked under Jayalalithaa and still command influence, including some who once physically confronted Karunanidhi in the assembly. These experienced leaders may play a crucial role in implementing a “Shinde model” in Tamil Nadu. There’s even speculation that AIADMK may split, with the breakaway faction aligning with the BJP. Shah is laying the groundwork not just for 2026, but potentially for 2031 as well. The upcoming Tamil Nadu elections will be fascinating to watch, especially with the BJP playing every card, from religious to geopolitical, to mount a substantial challenge to the DMK.

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