Veena Sikri is a distinguished Indian diplomat and academic with extensive experience in South Asian affairs. Her in-depth knowledge of regional politics, especially Bangladesh, has significant value because of her understanding of the geopolitical dynamics of the area. Sikri has voiced worries in recent years about Bangladesh's political turmoil and its possible effects on India.
Who is Veena Sikri?
Born on October 27, 1948, Veena Sikri is a distinguished Indian scholar. She earned a National Scholarship in 1963, enabling her to attend St. Mary’s School in Pune. Subsequently, she graduated with first-class honors in Statistics from the University of Pune in 1967 and in Economics from Delhi University in 1970. Married to Rajiv Sikri, a retired diplomat, Veena is the proud parent of a son and a daughter.
Veena Sikri: Political Career
A seasoned diplomat, Veena Sikri dedicated 37 years to the Indian Foreign Service from 1971 to 2008. Her illustrious career included pivotal roles such as Director General of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Consul General in Hong Kong, and High Commissioner to both Bangladesh and Malaysia. Notably, she was the first woman to hold the position of High Commissioner to Bangladesh.
Sikri’s diplomatic journey also encompassed challenging assignments in the Indian Embassies of Paris, Moscow, and Kathmandu. Her representation of India at the UN Security Council, ECOSOC, and NAM summits during her tenure at the Permanent Mission of India to the UN in New York from 1977 to 1981 was particularly noteworthy.
Transitioning from diplomacy to academia, Sikri became a professor and holds the Ford Foundation endowed Chair at Jamia Millia Islamia University. She is also the convenor of the South Asia Women Network, continuing her contributions to international relations and women's leadership.
Why Political Unrest in Bangladesh is Alarming for India According to Veena Sikri
As Sheikh Hasina has resigned from the PM position, the country has gone into shambles. Veena Sikri has mentioned that this situation is “Worrisome for India.”
According to the interview with Tribune she has stated: “I have always been worried about a foreign hand (in the Bangladesh situation). The most recent indicator of this was when Sheikh Hasina's visit to China went very badly. It shocked me. China did not accord her a proper protocol welcome. Xi Jinping did not give her a separate meeting. This was uncharacteristic of China. One could not fathom why China did this. But now one can see. The Pakistan-China nexus is very strong."
Addressing the Bangladesh Army Chief's invitation to the Jamaat-e-Islami for talks and his declaration that Hasina's Awami League would not be involved, Sikri expressed concerns about the growing influence of Jamaat-e-Islami, which is known to have close ties with Pakistan. This development, she emphasised, is troubling for India.
"India is very worried about this instability. We want the situation to calm down. The Bangladesh Army Chief has announced that an interim government will take charge, but the structure of this interim government remains uncertain. Many lists are circulating currently, and we will have to wait and see," she said.
Veena Sikri’s extensive experience and deep understanding of the region's geopolitics make her concerns about the political unrest in Bangladesh particularly significant. The implications of instability in Bangladesh extend beyond its borders, affecting regional stability, security, economic relations, and cultural ties.
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