India voices security concerns after summoning Bangladesh envoy

India has expressed serious concern over the security situation in Bangladesh after summoning Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India, M Riaz Hamidullah, to the Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday (December 17).

In a statement issued this afternoon, the Indian foreign ministry said the High Commissioner was called in to convey New Delhi’s deep concern over the deteriorating security environment in Bangladesh, particularly threats to the safety of diplomatic missions.

According to the statement, India drew attention to the activities of what it described as extremist elements, who have allegedly announced plans that could compromise security around the Indian mission in Dhaka. India said it expects Bangladesh’s interim government to fully uphold its diplomatic obligations and ensure the security of foreign missions and posts in line with international norms.

The Indian side also rejected what it termed false narratives driven by extremism surrounding recent incidents in Bangladesh, calling it regrettable that a full investigation has yet to be completed and that relevant evidence has not been shared with India.

Reiterating its longstanding ties with Bangladesh, India said the relationship is rooted in Bangladesh’s Liberation War and has since been strengthened through development cooperation and people-to-people engagement. New Delhi reaffirmed its support for peace and stability in Bangladesh and reiterated its call for free, fair, inclusive, and credible elections in a peaceful environment.

The diplomatic exchange comes two days after Bangladesh summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma to the foreign ministry in Dhaka on Monday.