Don't Normalise Terrorism: India Rejects Yunus-Led Bangladesh's Push For SAARC Revival

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has asked Bangladesh’s Foreign Advisor Touhid Hossain not to normalise terrorism, during their meeting in Oman earlier this week, where Hossain pushed for the revival of SAARC.

Jaishankar, in his discussions with Hossain, focused on enhancing cooperation under BIMSTEC.

However, a statement from Bangladesh following the meeting revealed that Hossain had requested a session of the SAARC Standing Committee, which has remained inactive since 2016 after India suspended the summit process over Pakistan’s backing of cross-border terrorism, Times of India reported.

Bangladesh’s appeal for a SAARC meeting coincides with its ongoing efforts to restore ties with Pakistan after former prime minister Sheikh Hasina's exit.

Meanwhile, India continues to prioritise BIMSTEC, an alternative regional grouping that includes Thailand but excludes Pakistan.

Confirming that SAAR came up for discussion during the meeting, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "Yes, the matter was brought up by the Bangladesh side in External Affairs meeting. When EAM met with Bangladesh Foreign advisor in Muscat".

"Everyone in South Asia is aware of which country and what activities are responsible for stymieing SAARC. EAM conveyed that it is important that Bangladesh should not normalize terrorism," Jaiswal said during the weekly press briefing on Friday (21 February).

Responding to a question on "violent", "anti-India" statements from the members of Muhammad Yunus-led interim Government in Bangladesh, Jaiswal said, "Yes, we obviously have taken note of such remarks which are of course not helpful. It is for the concerned individuals to reflect on implications for their particular domain. So that is how I would like to answer your question".

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