India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar has issued a strong message concerning the internal dynamics of Bangladesh, highlighting rising radicalization, attacks on minorities, and worrisome rhetoric, Hindustan Herald reports.

Speaking at the CNN News 18 Rising Bharat Summit 2025, Jaishankar emphasized India’s openness in sharing its concerns and reaffirmed the enduring friendship between the two nations.

“We have concerns about the rhetoric coming out of Bangladesh. We have concerns about radicalising tendencies, and we have concerns about the attacks on minorities. I think we were very open about sharing those concerns,” Jaishankar stated.

Dr. Jaishankar underlined that India’s connection with Bangladesh runs far deeper than governmental terms.

“No country wishes Bangladesh well more than us. That’s almost in our DNA,” he said, referring to the shared history and cultural heritage that ties both nations.

He stressed that the relationship is fundamentally people-to-people, transcending politics, and rooted in the history of the 1971 Liberation War, in which India played a crucial role.

Jaishankar urged Bangladesh to move forward with timely elections, highlighting that democratic societies must renew their mandates through the ballot.

“As a well-wisher and friend, we hope they go the right way. Democracies require elections. That’s how mandates are given and renewed,” he said.

The Indian government’s stance aligns with a broader expectation that Bangladesh uphold democratic traditions, especially as the country moves toward general elections.