Indian PM Narendra Modi on Friday met Muhammad Yunus when he urged the Bangladesh interim government chief to avoid any rhetoric that vitiates environment, referring to the recent comment on Northeast India made by the Nobel Laureate that triggered a controversy.

Modi and Yunus met for the first time since the Bangladeshi leader took charge of the interim government following the ouster of former PM Sheikh Hasina amid severe protests against her government over job quota row.

The meeting took place in Bangkok on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit,

Sharing details about the meeting, India's Ministry of External Affairs said: "Prime Minister reiterated India’s support for a democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh."

Enunciating India’s people-centric approach to the relationship, Modi highlighted that cooperation between the two countries has brought tangible benefits to the people of both countries.

He underlined India’s desire to forge a positive and constructive relationship with Bangladesh based on pragmatism.

Speaking on Modi's possible reference to Yunus's recent comment on India, MEA said: "Prime Minister urged that rhetoric that vitiates the environment is best avoided."

"On the border, strict enforcement of the law and prevention of illegal border crossings, especially at night, are necessary for maintaining border security and stability. Bilateral mechanism could meet as appropriate to review and take forward our ties," the statement said.

Safety And Security Of Minorities

Modi underlined India’s concerns related to the safety and security of minorities in Bangladesh, including Hindus, and expressed his expectation that the Government of Bangladesh would ensure their security, including by thoroughly investigating the cases of atrocities committed against them.

BIMSTEC And Bangladesh

Modi congratulated Bangladesh on assuming the Chair of BIMSTEC and looked forward to the forum further advancing regional cooperation under its leadership.

The leaders agreed to enhance consultations and cooperation to advance regional integration, including under the BIMSTEC framework.

Prime Minister Modi expressed his conviction that all issues of mutual interest between the two countries would continue to be addressed and resolved bilaterally through constructive discussions, in the interest of their long standing and mutually beneficial bilateral relationship.

Yunus and his remark against northeast

In a recent development, Yunus was slammed by several Indian politicians after the Bangladesh government's head referred to India's Northeast as an opportunity for Beijing's economic expansion.

Yunus was heard saying, "The seven states of India, the eastern part of India, are called the seven sisters. They are a landlocked region of India. They have no way to reach out to the ocean... This opens up a huge possibility. This could be an extension for the Chinese economy."