India has responded to discussion over Bangladesh potentially joining the Mecca defence alliance. At a Friday press briefing, Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said New Delhi was closely monitoring regional developments that could affect India’s security and was taking all necessary measures to safeguard it.

The question cited remarks attributed to Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, who said any decision on whether Bangladesh joins the alliance would be entirely Bangladesh’s own and should not cause discomfort to others. The question was raised by The Hindu journalist Kulachi.

Jaiswal also said it was the Bangladesh government’s responsibility to manage the country’s law-and-order situation and ensure the security of its citizens. He said the Bangladesh government needed to perform this responsibility more strictly. The source did not provide further details on the alliance, Bangladesh’s position, or any decision on membership.