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Times of Oman
3 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
MEA refutes Bangladesh's allegation "Indian media delegitimises transitional leadership"
New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday refuted Bangladesh's chief adviser Mohammad Yunus's claims that "Indian media delegitimises transitional leadership." Speaking in a weekly briefing on Thursday, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal dismissed Bangladesh's accusations of Indian interference as an attempt to deflect attention from internal issues. "As far as the government there is concerned, the responsibility for law and order and governance issues lies entirely with that government," Jaiswal said. "When statements of this sort come, it seems like you want to deflect in another direction from your own challenges related to governance there -- and to blame others by saying that these extraneous issues caused by others are the reason for these problems -- does not solve the issue," he added. Bangladesh's Chief Adviser, Muhammad Yunus, alleged that external factors, including India, might be behind efforts to destabilise the country. Yunus stated that there were "relentless efforts to destabilise Bangladesh" both internally and externally, leading to a "war-like situation." Sharing some links of articles on X, Yunus wrote, "these articles are part of a coordinated disinformation campaign propagated by segments of the Indian right-wing media aiming to delegitimise Bangladesh's transitional leadership." The MEA spokesperson also urged Bangladesh to hold an inclusive, free, and fair election at an early date to ascertain the people's will and mandate. Jaiswal stated, "On Bangladesh, we have articulated our position very clearly, as far as elections in Bangladesh are concerned, and we have done so consistently. Bangladesh needs to ascertain the will and mandate of the people by holding an inclusive, fair and free election at an early date." Yunus has announced plans to hold elections between December 2025 and June 30, 2026, and has assured that he will not stay in power beyond that date. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has expressed unease over the continuation of the interim government and has demanded that elections be held by December this year. The political landscape in Bangladesh remains tense, with differing opinions on the election timeline and the role of the interim government. Local media reported on Thursday that Bangladesh Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman has expressed a desire that national elections be held by December this year, amidst ongoing political unrest and the interim government's failure to announce a clear roadmap for the next parliamentary elections. Several political parties, including Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), have been demanding parliamentary elections by December. However, the National Citizens Party (NCP), a new party led by students who overthrew Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, wants fundamental reforms before the elections. Further, Jaiswal noted that India wants a "positive and constructive relationship" with Bangladesh. "I would like to underline once again that we have approached our issues and our relationship with Bangladesh. We want a positive and constructive relationship with Bangladesh, one anchored in meeting the aspirations and the interests of the people of both sides," he said. Regarding recent developments in Bangladesh, including cancelling a USD 180 million defense deal, Jaiswal said, "India and Bangladesh have several defence cooperation initiatives under implementation. Regarding any specific example you asked, I will be glad to revert to you after ascertaining more details on this issue." On Bangladesh's efforts to build a humanitarian corridor with Myanmar, Jaiswal mentioned that "India follows such developments closely." Recently, the interim government in Bangladesh proposed the creation of a humanitarian corridor into Myanmar's Rakhine State. On April 27, Bangladesh's Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said Bangladesh's interim government agrees in principle, subject to conditions, to the United Nations' proposal to create a humanitarian corridor through Bangladesh to send aid to Myanmar's Rakhine, Dhaka Tribune reported. While speaking to reporters at Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on April 27, Hossain said, "According to the United Nations' proposal, Bangladesh has agreed to allow a humanitarian corridor to Rakhine. It will be a humanitarian passage. However, we have certain conditions. I will not go into details. If the conditions are met, we will certainly assist." "A large population from Myanmar has taken refuge in our country, and we want to repatriate them. We must do whatever is necessary to facilitate their return," Dhaka Tribune quoted him. He said that the entire border is under the control of a non-state actor and there is no control of Myanmar's central government there. "The entire border is now under the control of a non-state actor. There is no control of Myanmar's central government there. Therefore, for our own interests, some form of communication is necessary-- although we cannot formally communicate with the non-state actor, it will not be possible for us to stay entirely disconnected even if we want to," he said.
India.com
3 days ago
- Politics
- India.com
India Deploys Rafale Jets And S-400 At Siliguri Corridor; Draws Red Line For China And Bangladesh
New Delhi: India has fortified its most vulnerable but strategically important stretch, the Siliguri Corridor, which is also known as the Chicken's Neck, by deploying Rafale fighter jets and Russian-made S-400 air defence system. The 20-22 km wide corridor is India's only land link to its northeastern states and sits at the crossroads of Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and China. With Pakistan already rattled, New Delhi has now turned its strategic gaze eastward and is drawing red lines. While tension with Pakistan eases, India's eyes are now on Beijing and Dhaka. Recent Chinese military drills near the India-Bhutan border and fast-moving political shifts in Bangladesh, according to The Asia Live, have put New Delhi on alert. What is worrying is that the interim government in Dhaka, under Mohammad Yunus, is reportedly leaning toward China and Pakistan – a potential axis that is likely to reshape the strategic balance in India's east. India, in response, has tightened Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) restrictions within 10 kilometres of its international border and stepped up aerial surveillance across the entire eastern front. Bangladesh Eyes 32 JF-17 Jets; India Sees Red India's anxiety has spiked after reports surfaced that Bangladesh may acquire 32 Chinese-Pakistani JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, which are equipped with AESA radar, EW pods and long-range missiles. If stationed in northern Bangladesh, these fighter aircraft could threaten Indian airbases and important infrastructure across the border. To make matters worse, a Pakistani ISI delegation recently visited Dhaka allegedly to discuss intelligence-sharing and anti-terror cooperation. Led by Major General Shahid Amir Asfar, the visit has only added to India's unease. Responding to the shifting ground, India has made its intentions clear. The deployment of the S-400 air defence system, which is capable of neutralising threats up to 400 kilometres away, along with a Rafale squadron at Hashimara Airbase, is more than just tactical positioning. It is a strategic warning. India's military has also adopted a multi-zone deterrence doctrine, combining real-time ISR integration, cyber and electronic warfare capabilities, seamless tri-service coordination and fortification of key roads, tunnels and rail links in the Siliguri Corridor for rapid military mobilisation. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India is 'closely monitoring developments in the region' and will take decisive action if needed. This is one of the most direct public acknowledgments so far that India views Bangladesh's recent shifts as a potential national security threat. Drawing the Line India's military posturing at the Siliguri Corridor is not only a show of strength but also a strategic declaration that any misadventure, whether from the north (China) or east (Bangladesh) will be met with full force. In this era of proxy alliances, grey-zone warfare and tech-driven conflicts, India is sending a loud and clear message that the corridor is not merely a passage, it is a red line as well.
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
‘Talks and terror can't go together': India snubs Pakistan's overture, rebuts Bangladesh interference claim
NEW DELHI: India on Thursday dismissed Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's renewed offer for dialogue, firmly reiterating its long-held stance that "terrorism and talks cannot go together." At the same time, India hit back at Bangladesh interim government's Chief Adviser Mohammad Yunus, calling his allegations of Indian interference an attempt to shift blame for internal unrest and called for early and inclusive elections in the neighbouring country. Speaking alongside Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran earlier this week, Sharif said: "We want to resolve all disputes, including the Kashmir issue and the water issue, through negotiations and are also ready to talk to our neighbour on trade and counter-terrorism." India, however, dismissed the Pakistan PM's offer, with Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal asserting that "terrorism and talks cannot go together." "As far as our engagement with Pakistan is concerned, our stand has been clear. Any engagement has to be bilateral. We would like to reiterate that terrorism and talks cannot go together," Jaiswal said at the weekly briefing. "They need to hand over to India, noted terrorists, whose records and list we submitted to them some years ago. Talks on Jammu and Kashmir will be held only on the vacating of PoK (Pakistan occupied Kashmir) and when Pakistan hands over the territory to us," he added.
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
‘Talks, terror can't go together': India snubs Pakistan's overture, rebuts Bangladesh interference claim
NEW DELHI: India on Thursday dismissed Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's renewed offer for dialogue, firmly reiterating its long-held stance that "terrorism and talks cannot go together." At the same time, India hit back at Bangladesh interim government's Chief Adviser Mohammad Yunus, calling his allegations of Indian interference an attempt to shift blame for internal unrest and called for early and inclusive elections in the neighbouring country. Speaking alongside Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran earlier this week, Sharif said: "We want to resolve all disputes, including the Kashmir issue and the water issue, through negotiations and are also ready to talk to our neighbour on trade and counter-terrorism." India, however, dismissed the Pakistan PM's offer, with Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal asserting that "terrorism and talks cannot go together." "As far as our engagement with Pakistan is concerned, our stand has been clear. Any engagement has to be bilateral. We would like to reiterate that terrorism and talks cannot go together," Jaiswal said at the weekly briefing. "They need to hand over to India, noted terrorists, whose records and list we submitted to them some years ago. Talks on Jammu and Kashmir will be held only on the vacating of PoK (Pakistan occupied Kashmir) and when Pakistan hands over the territory to us," he added.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Top 5 stories of the day: India rejects Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif's call for dialogue; refutes Mohammad Yunus claim; Jairam Ramesh sparks row, and more
NEW DELHI: India on Thursday once again reiterated that dialogue with Pakistan will not resume until Islamabad takes concrete and effective action against terrorism. The ministry of external affairs on Thursday refuted Bangladesh's chief adviser Mohammad Yunus's claims that New Delhi is 'destabilising' his country. Here are top 5 news of the day: 'Talks suspended till ... ': India rejects Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif's call for dialogue on Indus Waters Treaty, terror, Kashmir Regarding the Indus Waters Treaty, which was suspended following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, India said that the treaty will remain on hold until Pakistan "irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism." Read full story 'From land of Sindoor Khela': PM Modi invokes symbolism at Bengal rally, warns Pakistan Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday invoked the deep cultural symbolism of Bengal's Sindoor Khela to reinforce India's hardened stance against terrorism, declaring that 'Operation Sindoor' is far from over and vowing further action against terror sponsors. Read full story India refutes Mohammad Yunus's 'India destabilising Bangladesh' claim In a weekly presser, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that Bangladesh's accusations were an attempt to deflect attention from real issues. "As far as the government there is concerned, the responsibility for law and order and governance issues lies entirely with that government," Jaiswal said. Read full story 'MPs roaming, terrorists also roaming': Jairam Ramesh sparks row; BJP says Congress 'crossed all limit' A fresh political storm erupted on Thursday after Congress leader Jairam Ramesh controversially likened the free movement of Pahalgam terrorists to that of Indian MPs traveling abroad, drawing sharp criticism from the BJP. Read full story 'I am ready': Cheteshwar Pujara breaks silence on Gautam Gambhir's phone call for England tour During a recent interview, Pujara was asked whether Gautam Gambhir had reached out to him regarding the England tour. Read full story
