Dhaka, Feb 11 (V7N) – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh's Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus are expected to attend the sixth BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Summit in Bangkok, Thailand, on April 4. While both leaders will be present, a formal meeting between them is yet to be confirmed, according to BIMSTEC Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey.

Addressing a press conference at the BIMSTEC headquarters in Gulshan on Tuesday morning, Pandey stated that the possibility of a bilateral meeting depends on the interests of both countries. "BIMSTEC does not address bilateral issues directly but serves as a platform to enhance regional cooperation in areas like trade and communication," he noted. However, he acknowledged that such summits often facilitate informal discussions between member states.

At the upcoming summit, Dr. Muhammad Yunus is set to assume the chairmanship of BIMSTEC, succeeding Thailand, which took over from Sri Lanka on March 30, 2022. The seven-member alliance includes Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

Pandey emphasized that BIMSTEC's objectives are centered around regional cooperation and are not aimed at countering countries like China or Pakistan. "Our focus remains on fostering collaboration across South and Southeast Asia for mutual development," he clarified.

If a meeting between Modi and Yunus does occur, it could be significant for Bangladesh-India relations, especially given the current political climate in both nations. The interim government in Bangladesh, led by Dr. Yunus, is navigating a delicate political transition, while India prepares for its own general elections later this year.

As the summit approaches, attention will be focused on whether the two leaders engage in bilateral discussions, potentially addressing key issues related to trade, security, and regional stability.

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