Mangaluru: Govt of India should not sit idle while Hindus are being killed in Bangladesh; immediate action should be initiated on this issue, said Swasti Rao, Associate Professor at OP Jindal Global University.Speaking at a session on ‘India’s Challenging Neighbourhood: Role of Extra Regional Powers’ during the eigth edition of Mangaluru lit fest, she discussed the diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh.“The developments in Bangladesh are alarming. In 1971, when a major crisis arose in Bangladesh, India intervened to protect the people. However, Hindus are being killed there once again. The Indian govt must take some form of action regarding the issue of Hindu killings,” she said.India maintains good relations with all nations, including the USA, Russia, the European Union, and the African Union. India has also extended significant assistance to all the neighbouring countries. These nations must and will stand as strong support in the coming days, she said.Responding to a question about China’s gradual influence over SAARC nations, she said, “India is facing several challenges regarding SAARC. Primarily, India boycotted the SAARC summit a few years ago, protesting against Pakistan sponsoring terrorism. However, India should not completely ban the SAARC summit. Instead, it must find an alternative strategy. Otherwise, China will gain control. A new solution must be found before China establishes its grip.“Participating in the same discussion, UN permanent representative Ruchira Kamboj said, “India’s contribution to its neighbouring nations is immense. Whenever problems or natural disasters occurred in neighbouring countries, India provided significant help. It stood by them during emergencies. Credibility is important here, and India always maintained the trust of those who placed their faith in it,” she said.
