Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is set to visit Bangladesh on December 9, 2024, amid rising tensions between India and Bangladesh, particularly concerning the safety of the Hindu minority in Bangladesh. This visit will mark the first high-level diplomatic engagement since the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus took power following the ousting of Sheikh Hasina on August 5, 2024.

During his visit, Misri will conduct Foreign Office Consultations with his Bangladeshi counterpart and other officials, focusing on key bilateral issues such as security, trade, and minority protection. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that these consultations are part of India's structured diplomatic interactions with Bangladesh.

The backdrop of this visit includes significant unrest in Bangladesh, where reports indicate that over 200 attacks against Hindus have occurred since Hasina's government fell. These incidents have raised serious concerns regarding the safety and rights of minority communities in the country. Additionally, the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das on charges of sedition has further strained relations, prompting India to call for fair legal processes and the protection of all minorities in Bangladesh.

India's concerns about the situation have been echoed by international observers, including the United States, which has expressed worry over the persecution of minorities in Bangladesh. Misri's visit is seen as a critical opportunity for India to address these pressing issues directly with Bangladeshi officials.