India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday summoned Bangladesh High Commissioner to India M Riaz Hamidullah, two days after Dhaka summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma.

The Times of India, quoting news agency ANI, reported that the move came amid recent remarks by National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Hasnat Abdullah regarding India, in which he said the ‘Seven Sisters’ region would be cut off if Bangladesh became unstable.

No specific reason for summoning the Bangladesh High Commissioner was immediately disclosed. However, sources indicated that New Delhi was displeased with Hasnat Abdullah’s comments.

Meanwhile, the Indian MEA published a statement on its website regarding the summons.

According to the statement, the High Commissioner was summoned to convey India’s deep concern over the deteriorating security situation in Bangladesh. Special attention was drawn to the activities of “certain extremist groups” that have announced plans to create security threats around the Indian Mission in Dhaka.

The MEA said India completely rejects the narrative being attempted by “extremist elements” surrounding some recent incidents in Bangladesh. It noted that, regrettably, the interim government has yet to conduct a full investigation into these incidents or share meaningful information and evidence with India.

India reiterated that it enjoys close and friendly relations with the people of Bangladesh, rooted in the shared struggle during the Liberation War and further strengthened through development cooperation and people-to-people initiatives over the years.

The MEA said India remains committed to peace and stability in Bangladesh and has consistently called for the holding of free, fair, inclusive and credible elections in a peaceful environment.

It also expressed expectations that the interim government, in line with its diplomatic obligations, will ensure the security of all foreign missions and posts operating in Bangladesh.