In a fresh diplomatic row, India and Pakistan have expelled each other’s diplomats on charges of engaging in activities inconsistent with their diplomatic status. Pakistan’s foreign office stated that an Indian diplomat posted in Islamabad was asked to leave the country within 24 hours. In response, India declared a Pakistani diplomat in New Delhi persona non grata on similar grounds and also ordered him to leave within 24 hours. Neither side disclosed specific details of the allegations.

During a meeting with Russian Ambassador Alexander Khazin, Food Security Adviser Ali Imam Majumder assured that Bangladesh currently has adequate food grain reserves. He noted that Bangladesh imports a significant portion of its wheat and fertilizer from Russia. While the country requires 7 million tons of wheat annually, local production accounts for only 1 million tons, necessitating the import of the remaining 6 million. He emphasized the need for enhanced bilateral cooperation in economic, educational, scientific, and technological sectors.

Deputy Spokesperson of the US State Department, Tommy Pigott, said, “We are aware that the ruling government has banned all political activities of the Awami League until legal proceedings against the party and its leaders conclude.” He emphasized that the US does not support any specific political party in Bangladesh. “We advocate for an independent, democratic, fair, and transparent legal process for everyone,” he said. Pigott also urged all governments, including Bangladesh’s, to uphold freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and the right of association. He reiterated the US’s commitment to deepening its partnership with the people of Bangladesh and working with the interim government.

India has expressed concern over the imposition of sanctions on Bangladesh’s ruling Awami League without following proper procedures. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that such actions are troubling, particularly as they appear to curtail democratic freedoms and shrink political space. He reaffirmed India’s strong support for holding free, fair, and inclusive elections in Bangladesh at the earliest possible time.

The scheduled foreign secretary-level meeting between Bangladesh and Japan, originally set for May 15, has been postponed, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The discussion will be rescheduled at a mutually convenient time. The ministry has requested the Japanese Embassy to communicate the matter to the appropriate authorities. Notably, Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus is expected to visit Japan later this month to attend the Nikkei Conference and hold a meeting with the Japanese Prime Minister.

In a statement issued by US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, it was revealed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a conversation with Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir on Saturday. Rubio urged both India and Pakistan to find ways to de-escalate tensions and offered US support to initiate constructive dialogue aimed at preventing future conflicts.

Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen emphasized that Bangladesh must remain free from foreign interference and make independent decisions on domestic matters. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s sovereignty and mentioned an upcoming visit from China’s Commerce Minister along with a large delegation of investors—the largest ever from China to Bangladesh. He stated that peace and internal stability are essential for progress and that reforms are Bangladesh’s internal affair, distancing China from Western-style political commentary.

Amid an ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in New Delhi to co-chair the 20th India-Iran Joint Commission meeting. Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal welcomed the visit, calling it a significant moment as the two countries mark 75 years of diplomatic relations. The visit underscores strategic ties even during wartime tensions.

A high-level delegation led by UAE Cabinet Minister Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan met with Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Dr. Yunus expressed gratitude to the UAE for its progress on resuming visa issuance for Bangladeshi citizens. Sheikh Nahyan conveyed a message of solidarity from the UAE President and reaffirmed the country’s willingness to cooperate across sectors, from investment to visa facilitation. Dr. Yunus welcomed this engagement, stating, “We appreciate such collaboration and also welcome investment proposals in various sectors.”

The Chinese Foreign Ministry has called on India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and focus on maintaining regional peace and stability. “We are aware of India’s military actions, and we find the situation extremely concerning,” said a spokesperson. China emphasized its opposition to all forms of terrorism and urged both nations—its neighbors—to avoid further escalation and work toward peaceful resolution.

The U.S. State Department has called on India and Pakistan to choose a responsible path toward resolving tensions, emphasizing the need for long-term peace and regional stability in South Asia.

Speaking to reporters, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said, "We urge both governments to move forward responsibly while maintaining peace and stability in the region. We have maintained communication with both sides at multiple levels."

Following the April attack that escalated tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, the United States expressed sympathy toward India. Last week, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held phone calls with senior officials from both countries, urging restraint and de-escalation. Earlier, former President Donald Trump had described India's strike as "shameful."

Source: Al Jazeera

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar spoke over the phone with Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain. According to Hossain, Dar did not seek any assistance during the conversation. "He only called to brief me on the recent developments and Pakistan’s response to them," said Hossain. "I reiterated our desire for peace and urged that tensions be avoided. We support resolving all issues through dialogue. If Delhi inquires, I’ll convey the same message. But we won’t take a proactive stance unless required."

National Security Adviser Khondaker Khalilur Rahman declared that Bangladesh, as a sovereign state, reserves the right to meet with any party in its national interest. Commenting on the government's contact with the Arakan Army, he said the group now controls areas along the border and is open to ceasefire talks. “Regardless of who controls the other side, we must maintain peaceful communications to manage our borders,” he added. Myanmar’s military, upset over these contacts, lodged a formal protest in April.

Adviser Farida Akhtar emphasized the need to ensure both food security and fair treatment of farmers. She criticized import policies that hurt local agriculture and called for market analysis before importing food products. Akhtar also raised concerns about the over-mechanization of agriculture, which reduces livestock use and impacts rural livelihoods. “Consumers deserve safe food, but farmers must also be able to earn a profit,” she said.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a phone conversation with Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain. According to the Pakistan High Commission, Dar briefed the adviser on India’s “baseless allegations” and “unilateral actions” contributing to growing regional tensions. He particularly criticized India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty as a reckless move. Adviser Hossain expressed concern over the current situation and emphasized the need for restraint by all parties to de-escalate tensions. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and stressed the importance of maintaining regular high-level contacts. They also explored opportunities for greater cooperation in regional and multilateral forums.