Yunus’ sweet diplomacy: Sends mangoes as gift to India

Professor Muhammad Yunus, who heads Bangladesh’s interim government, has launched a goodwill initiative dubbed “mango diplomacy” with India, sending a consignment of mangoes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other Indian dignitaries.

According to The Daily Sun, Dhaka has dispatched 1,000 kg of the famed ‘Haribhanga’ mangoes as a friendly gesture between the two neighbours. The consignment, packed in 60 cartons, left via the Akhaura land port at around 5.15 pm on Thursday and is expected to reach New Delhi on Monday.

The mangoes are intended for PM Modi, diplomats and officials, and will be distributed over the next few days. Separate consignments have also been sent to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha.

This exchange comes after PM Modi and Professor Yunus met in April on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok — their first in-person interaction since the collapse of Sheikh Hasina’s government.

During that meeting, Modi reaffirmed India’s support for a democratic, stable, peaceful and inclusive Bangladesh. He emphasised New Delhi’s commitment to a people-centric bilateral relationship and noted the longstanding cooperation that has brought tangible benefits to both countries.