Jaishankar on India's challenges with Bangladesh, Maldives: 'Have to recognise that ...'

Speaking during an event in Delhi, S Jaishankar gave his two cents on Bangladesh, Maldivesa and Pakistan.

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Friday said is a there has a “certain lack of consistency” in India’s approach to Maldives and Bangladesh issues.

“There have been ups and downs in our approach to Maldives...There is a certain lack of consistency here. It is a relationship in which we are very deeply invested and there is a recognition in the Maldives that this relationship is a steady force when they are getting into choppy waters where their own prospects are concerned as far as economic challenges,” said Jaishankar at a book launch.

Ousted Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who landed in India earlier this month after fleeing Dhaka, has been in the national capital since then. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently spoke with the  Bangladesh interim government's chief adviser, Muhammad Yunus. PM Modi took it to X as he mentioned that they exchanged views on the prevailing situation.

“It is natural we will deal with the government of the day. We have to recognise that there have been political changes and they can be disruptive. Clearly, here we have to look for mutuality of interest..." said Jaishankar.

 India-Maldives row

A diplomatic row erupted between India and the Maldives on January 4 on social media and landed in the foreign ministries of both nations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Lakshadweep and posted pictures of the beautiful island. While PM Modi had not mentioned the Maldives anywhere in his posts, many on social media began to question why anybody should go to the Maldives when we have such pristine beauty in India.

A massive social media war led to three Maldivian deputy ministers and a few MPs making derogatory remarks against PM Modi.  However, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, reiterated its demand for the withdrawal of Indian troops from the country. As a result, the Indian military personnel were replaced by civilians.

However, when PM Modi assumed office for the third time after the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu visited India for the swearing-in ceremony. Both the leaders discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation with India on his first official visit to the country.

Recently, Jaishankar  also visited Male for a three-day official visit.