India has said the unremitting hostilities against minorities in Bangladesh is a matter of grave concern. Briefing media in New Delhi yesterday, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, India condemns the recent gruesome killing of a Hindu youth in Mymensingh city of Bangladesh, and the perpetrators of the crime must be brought to justice.
He added that over 2 thousand 900 incidents of violence against minorities, including cases of killings, arson, and land grabbing, have been documented by independent sources during the tenure of the interim government in Bangladesh. He added that these incidents cannot be brushed aside as mere media exaggeration or dismissed as political violence.
Replying to another query on upcoming polls in Bangladesh, Mr Jaiswal said, India supports free, fair, inclusive and participatory elections in Bangladesh. The parliamentary elections in the neighbouring country are scheduled to take place onthe 12th of February.
On the H-1B visa issue, the External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson said, India remains actively engaged with the US to address and minimise the disruptions caused to Indian nationals holding H-1B visas. Mr Jaiswal said the government has received multiple representations from Indian nationals facing delays and difficulties in scheduling or rescheduling US visa appointments.
He said India has raised these concerns with the US authorities in New Delhi and Washington DC. He added that these delays have caused extended hardships for affected individuals and their families, including disruptions to education. On the India-US bilateral trade agreement, Mr Jaiswal said, both India and the US continue to remain engaged to conclude a fair, balanced and mutually beneficial trade agreement. On the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, the spokesperson said, talks are progressing between the two sides.
In Myanmar, the spokesperson said, India stands for a democratic transition in the country. He added that elections are to be held and New Delhi supports free, fair and inclusive elections in which everybody participates. He further stated that India stands for peace, stability and the return of normalcy in the country. On the Indian student’s death in Canada, Mr Jaiswal said, Indian authorities are in touch with his family.
He said they are also in touch with local authorities regarding the circumstances that led to the death. He termed the incident as very unfortunate, saying that the Indian Consulate is extending all possible support to the bereaved family. The spokesperson also stressed that India remains fully committed to bringing back people who are fugitives and wanted in India. He said India is currently engaged with several governments.
