Diplomatic Moves: Bangladesh Seeks India's Support to Revive SAARC

Bangladesh's interim Foreign Affairs Advisor Touhid Hossain sought India's assistance to rejuvenate SAARC during a meeting with India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in Muscat. The discussion also covered renewing the Ganges Water Treaty and addressing bilateral challenges, with an emphasis on improving ties after recent tensions.

Bangladesh's interim government is pushing for a diplomatic breakthrough, seeking India's support to reinvigorate the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). The effort was led by Foreign Affairs Advisor Touhid Hossain, who met with India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar during a multilateral conference in Muscat.

Beyond SAARC, Hossain emphasized revisiting the 1996 Ganges Water Treaty and requested India's backing to convene the SAARC Standing Committee. While Jaishankar's public remarks did not mention SAARC, the meeting underscored shared bilateral challenges and the imperative for collaboration.

This meeting is part of broader diplomatic efforts following the leadership change in Bangladesh, where Muhammad Yunus replaced Sheikh Hasina after political turmoil. With connected regional concerns, such as minority attacks and border tensions, Bangladesh and India seek to strengthen ties amidst common regional pressures.