The spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday described the recent media reports about “India's reservations about the US visa policy and pro-activism over Bangladesh” as a “theoretical discussion ”.
“Let me clarify yours on the last one is certainly in the realm of…you know…theoretical discussion or hypothetical… if the meeting happens…...this is not the venue to discuss bilateral issues with Bangladesh,” Arindam Bagchi said during a special briefing.
He was moderating the briefing by Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to South Africa for the BRICS summit.
The spokesperson was replying to a BBC News journalist about India's stance on the issue.
The journalist also asked about Bangladesh's joining the BRICS and the possibility of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's meeting with Modi in Johannesburg on the sidelines.
The foreign secretary replied that bilateral meetings on the sidelines were “still evolving” since there would be a large number of leaders present there.
Once it is fixed, he said, it would “definitely” be shared with the media.
He, however, did not make any comment on the US role in Bangladesh’s elections.
Earlier, the Kolkata-based “Anandabazar Patrika” reported that India had conveyed to the US that “the way various steps are being taken by the US to destabilize the Sheikh Hasina government is not positive for the overall security of India as a neighboring country and South Asia as a whole.”
“India is not happy with the current role of America centering on the upcoming elections in Bangladesh and this message has also been conveyed to Washington,” said the newspaper quoting unnamed sources.
Washington has announced a visa policy through which the state department will restrict visas for individuals standing in the way of the upcoming general elections being held in a free and fair manner.
