India Monitors Neighbourhood Trilateral Talks Amid Security Concerns

NEW DELHI: India’s external Foreign Ministry said that India has kept an eye on its neighbourhood to protect its interests and security. 

China and Bangladesh confirmed that the meeting did not discuss any third party. 

India’s strategic outlook:

India’s Ministry of External Affairs has officially noted a recent trilateral meeting between Pakistan, Bangladesh, and China. The ministry described it as a development that “have a bearing” on India’s interests and security. While briefing the press, spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasised that “We maintain a constant watch on the developments in our neighbourhood that have a bearing on our interest and our security.” India, however, took the meeting as part of its bilateral engagements.

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Kunming talks: Broad cooperation agenda:

The top diplomats from China, Bangladesh and Pakistan gathered at Kunming, China on June 19. China’s Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong, Bangladesh’s Acting Foreign Secretary Ruhul Siddique, and Pakistan’s Additional Foreign Secretary Imran Siddique talked on the matters like how can these countries accelerate trade. 

Moreover, they also talked about maritime cooperation, health sector collaboration, environmental initiatives, and other shared interests.  India’s response underscores its concern over growing connectivity among regional actors.

New Delhi’s diplomatic tightrope:

India’s official stance stresses that “Our relations with individual countries, while they stand on their own footing, take into account the evolving context as well.” His statement hints that the trilateral talks may influence how it shapes bilateral ties with these countries especially with China-led coalitions.

Denials of anti-India alignment:

Chinese and Bangladeshi officials cleared that this trilateral meeting has no concern in aiming at India. China’s MFA clarified that the meeting was “Not directed at any third party.” Bangladesh’s Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain told reporters that the discussions were “Certainly” not “targeting any third party.” Their remarks show that the meeting’s focus was on cooperation, not confrontation.

Dhaka’s diplomatic shift:

Bangladesh hinted at reviving its ties with India. Adviser Hossain acknowledged a shift since the interim government of Muhammad Yunus took over, in contrast to warmer relations under former PM Sheikh Hasina, who remains in India after being ousted last year. India has thus concerns over religious minority rights in Yunus’ government.