Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden had a telephonic conversation Monday when they discussed the ongoing situation in Ukraine and the current condition of Bangladesh and its Hindu minority where political turmoil led to the ouster of former PM Sheikh Hasina.
During his conversation, Modi appreciated Biden’s deep commitment to the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, which is based on shared values of democracy, rule of law and strong people-to-people ties.
“The leaders reviewed the significant progress in bilateral relations and highlighted that India-US partnership is aimed at benefiting the people of both countries as well as the entire humanity,” read a statement issued by the Indian government.
While discussing the situation in Ukraine, PM Modi briefed President Biden on his recent visit to the country.
“He reiterated India’s consistent position in favour of dialogue and diplomacy and expressed full support for early return of peace and stability,” the statement said.
“The two leaders expressed their shared concern over the situation in Bangladesh,” the statement said.
The two leaders discussed the restoration of law and order and ensuring safety and security of the minorities, particularly Hindus, in Bangladesh.
Narendra Modi recently made his maiden trip to Ukraine when he met President
During his meeting with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, PM Modi said India never took a neutral stance in the ongoing conflict with Russia but was always on the side of peace.
“However, we want to say that India was never neutral in its stance and from the very first day we were on the side of peace,” he said during his discussion with the President.
Following his meeting with Zelenskyy, Modi said he discussed ways to boost cooperation in various sectors including agriculture, technology, pharma, among others.
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has intensified in recent days.
Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelensky on Monday said Russia targeted his nation by launching more than 100 missiles and about 100 drones overnight.
“Currently, across the country, efforts are underway to eliminate the consequences of the Russian strike. This was one of the largest attacks – a combined strike, involving over a hundred missiles of various types and around a hundred “Shaheds’,” he wrote on X.
According to Russian media reports, Moscow has targeted defence industry facilities in Ukraine.
An energy facility was hit in Odessa, Sergei Lebedev, coordinator of the pro-Russian Nikolayev underground, told Sputnik.
A large number of Kyiv residents shifted to subways amid Russian attacks.
What happened in Bangladesh?
Bangladesh witnessed a major political uprising in recent times which initially began as a movement against government job quota issue but soon spiralled into a protest against the former Sheikh Hasina-led government.
The violent protests, which left over 400 people dead, led to the exit of Sheikh Hasina who fled to India on August 5, ending her regime just months after she returned to power for another term after clinching the general polls.
The interim government, under the leadership of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, is currently ruling Bangladesh.
Following Hasina’s exit, several media reports and social media posts emerged which claimed Hindu community members were targeted by radicals.
