India summons Bangladesh High Commissioner amid escalating diplomatic tensions

In the latest escalation of diplomatic friction between India and Bangladesh, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs summoned Bangladesh High Commissioner M Riaz Hamidullah on Tuesday evening.

This marks the second such summons in less than a week, following a similar meeting on December 17.

During the meeting, India expressed strong concerns over the security of its diplomatic establishments in Dhaka, including the Indian High Commission, as well as the safety of minority communities, particularly Hindus, amid ongoing unrest in Bangladesh. Sources indicate that a formal note of protest and objection was handed over to the High Commissioner.

No official press release is expected from the Indian side, as efforts are reportedly underway through back-channel diplomacy to prevent further deterioration in bilateral relations.

The summons came hours after Bangladesh's Foreign Ministry called in Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma earlier on Tuesday. Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam conveyed Dhaka's "grave concern" over incidents at Bangladeshi missions in India, including protests outside the High Commission and the High Commissioner's residence in New Delhi on December 20, as well as alleged vandalism at a visa centre in Siliguri on December 22.

Bangladesh pledged to enhance security for its missions while urging India to investigate and prevent recurrences.

This is the second time in the past 10 days that Verma has been summoned to Bangladesh's Foreign Ministry, and at least the sixth such instance involving the Indian envoy during the tenure of Bangladesh's interim government.

The reciprocal diplomatic actions reflect deepening strains, fueled by recent protests, security threats to missions on both sides, and concerns over minority protection in Bangladesh.