India likely to 'flex muscle' against Bangladesh; S Jaishankar meets PM Modi

NEW DELHI: India is likely to flex its diplomatic muscle against Bangladesh over its inept handling in stopping violence against the Hindu community. The country has been reeling in unrest following the arrest of Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday and is likely to make a statement inside Parliament on Friday. Jaishankar met Modi soon after returning to Delhi attending the meeting of foreign ministers in Italy. It is reported that the Indian foreign minister apprised the PM of the terrible violence that has now engulfed Bangladesh.

Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh told Parliament that India has asked the Bangladesh government to ensure the security of minorities. The minister said the onus was on the interim Bangladesh government to protect the lives of their citizens.

The minister informed that there have been reports of widespread violence against Hindu temples in recent months. India has expressed concern over incidents including the attack on the puja mandapam in Dhaka's Tanti bazaar and the robbery at the Jeshoreshwari Kali temple in Satkhira.

Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina condemned the arrest of former ISKCON priest Chinmoy Krishna Das. She even asked the priest to be released immediately. The Awami League party released the statement on Thursday through X.