India Warns Bangladesh Over Security Threats

By John Pranay (Editor)

India has summoned Bangladesh's envoy, Riaz Hamidullah, over security concerns in Dhaka, following the closure of the Indian Visa Application Centre in the city. The centre, which handles all Indian visa services in Dhaka, was shut down on Wednesday due to the prevailing security situation. This move comes as India expresses strong concerns over threats to the safety of its mission in Dhaka, citing plans by extremist elements to create a security situation around the Indian mission.

India and Bangladesh have been experiencing heightened tensions over security and diplomatic issues. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned Bangladesh's High Commissioner, Riaz Hamidullah, on Wednesday to convey India's concerns over the deteriorating security environment in Bangladesh. The MEA specifically drew attention to the activities of some extremist elements who have announced plans to create a security situation around the Indian mission in Dhaka. India has also rejected the false narrative sought to be created by extremist elements regarding certain recent events in Bangladesh. The MEA expressed disappointment over the lack of clarity from Dhaka and the failure to conduct a thorough investigation into the incidents.

• Wednesday: India closes its main visa application centre in Dhaka, citing the prevailing security situation.

• Wednesday: The Indian Ministry of External Affairs summons Bangladesh's High Commissioner, Riaz Hamidullah, to convey India's concerns over the deteriorating security environment in Bangladesh.

• Sunday: India rejects assertions made by the interim government of Bangladesh, stating that it has consistently expressed support for fair, free, inclusive, and credible elections in Bangladesh.

• 14 December 2025: The interim government of Bangladesh issues a press note, which India rejects as false.

This is not the first time India and Bangladesh have experienced tensions over security and diplomatic issues. In recent years, there have been instances of protests and demonstrations in Dhaka, often targeting Indian interests. The current situation is a continuation of these tensions, which have been exacerbated by the deteriorating security environment in Bangladesh. The Indian government has consistently called for free, fair, inclusive, and credible elections in Bangladesh, and has expressed concerns over the lack of clarity from Dhaka on recent incidents.

The current situation in Bangladesh has raised concerns over the potential for further escalation of tensions between India and Bangladesh. The closure of the Indian Visa Application Centre in Dhaka has already had an impact on the flow of people and goods between the two countries. The MEA has expressed concerns over the safety of Indian missions and posts in Bangladesh, and has called on the interim government to ensure the safety of these facilities. The situation also raises concerns over the potential for extremist elements to create a security situation in the region, which could have broader implications for regional stability.

The current situation in Bangladesh is a symptom of a broader trend of increasing tensions between India and its neighbours. The Indian government's concerns over the deteriorating security environment in Bangladesh are not unfounded, given the history of extremist violence in the region. However, India's decision to summon the Bangladeshi envoy and close the visa application centre in Dhaka may be seen as an overreaction by some. Crucially, this overlooks the fact that India has a significant stake in the stability of Bangladesh, given its geographical proximity and historical ties with the country. This suggests that India's concerns are not solely driven by security considerations, but also by a desire to ensure that Bangladesh remains a stable and democratic neighbour.

On balance, this event screens as Bearish in our sentiment view.

1. Amid security concerns, India closes visa centre in Dhaka; summons Bangladesh envoy — https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/india-closes-visa-application-centre-in-dhaka-amid-security-concerns-summons-bangladesh-envoy-23608179?button=next

2. India summons Bangladesh envoy over deteriorating security environment in Dhaka — https://www.thehansindia.com/news/international/india-summons-bangladesh-envoy-over-deteriorating-security-environment-in-dhaka-1031780

3. India summons envoy as Bangladesh tension rises — https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-summons-envoy-as-bangladesh-tension-rises/articleshow/126045403.cms

Methodology: This analysis combines real-time data aggregation from manually selected global sources with advanced AI synthesis, engineered to provide neutral and data-driven insights.