Modi-Biden call: No mention of Bangladesh crisis in US readout
The recent telephonic conversation between United States President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sparked speculation due to a notable omission. The official US readout of the discussion did not mention the ongoing crisis in Bangladesh, a topic that was highlighted in India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) statement. This discrepancy has fueled speculations about potential strains in the relationship between Washington and Dhaka.
India's MEA statement vs White House readout
The MEA statement from India underscored that both leaders expressed concern about the "situation in Bangladesh." It said, "They [PM Modi and Biden] emphasized the restoration of law and order and ensuring safety and security of the minorities, particularly Hindus, in Bangladesh." However, the White House readout made no reference to this issue. Instead, it focused on PM Modi's recent visits to Poland and Ukraine as well as upcoming United Nations General Assembly meetings.
US's stance on Bangladesh crisis
The US has largely remained silent on the crisis in Bangladesh, which was triggered by widespread student protests against a controversial quota system for government jobs. The unrest resulted in over 500 fatalities and led to the fall of the Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina. Amid this turmoil, allegations have surfaced that the US interfered in Bangladesh's internal affairs, a claim denied by the White House.
Here are the readouts of the two countries
Allegations of US pressure on Bangladesh
During the crisis, Bangladeshi media had referenced an undelivered speech by Hasina, in which the ousted PM allegedly claimed that the U.S. pressured her to allow the establishment of a naval base on St. Martin's Island. Hasina reportedly suggested that if she had ceded control of the island, her government might have remained in power. However, her son, Sajeeb Wazed, denied any such developments. The island, strategically located in the northeastern Bay of Bengal, is key in countering Chinese influence.
Modi's first call with Biden after exit from presidential race
Notably, this was the first conversation between PM Modi and President Biden since the latter decided not to contest in the upcoming US presidential race, making way for Vice President Kamala Harris. It was also PM Modi's first interaction with a global leader following his visit to Kyiv, where he urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to negotiate with Russia to end the ongoing conflict.
