During the BIMSTEC summit held in Bangkok, a significant bilateral meeting took place between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nobel Laureate Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor of Bangladesh. The meeting, held on Friday, April 4, has sparked notable interest and debate in both Bangladesh and India, particularly regarding the warm reception extended to Dr. Yunus by the Indian leader.

According to Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to Dr. Yunus, Prime Minister Modi expressed strong appreciation for Dr. Yunus’ contributions to social development and humanity. In a Facebook post shared on Saturday, April 5, Alam recounted several key moments from the meeting, offering insights into the cordial atmosphere and mutual respect between the two figures.

One of the most discussed remarks from the meeting was Modi’s candid acknowledgment of the political tension surrounding Dr. Yunus in Bangladesh. "Despite the cordial relationship India maintains with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, we have witnessed the disrespectful treatment you have received," Modi was quoted as saying. "However, India has always held you in high esteem."

Alam also revealed that when the issue of Dr. Yunus’ potential extradition from Bangladesh was raised, Modi did not respond negatively. Instead, there was an air of measured neutrality, which Yunus' team interpreted as a positive sign. “We remain confident,” Alam wrote, “that one day justice will prevail in Dhaka, and history will witness one of the most significant verdicts of the century.”

Throughout the bilateral conversation, Modi reportedly reiterated his admiration for Dr. Yunus’ lifelong work in fighting poverty and empowering communities. He noted that India’s relationship with Bangladesh is rooted in the bond with its people, not with any specific party or leader. This stance, many analysts suggest, signals a broader shift in India’s diplomatic approach toward Bangladesh — one that prioritizes long-term regional harmony over short-term political alignments.

The meeting is being viewed by observers as more than just a diplomatic courtesy. Modi's respectful and encouraging tone toward Dr. Yunus is seen as a subtle message, reflecting India’s intention to redefine its ties with Bangladesh by engaging voices beyond political corridors.

Shafiqul Alam concluded his reflections by saying that the meeting symbolized more than mutual recognition — it represented hope for a new era of regional cooperation, where respect for individual contributions transcends political rivalry