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David van Weel, on a three-day visit to India, noted that FTAs with like-minded partners have become increasingly significant amid disruptions to global trade and supply chains

India and the Netherlands discussed expanding cooperation in strategic sectors like semiconductors and technology, while External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar sought Dutch support for concluding the India-EU free trade agreement. Both sides also exchanged views on defence ties and global issues, including Ukraine.

"These are clearly being orchestrated by those who are opposed to India," indicating that the actions were not spontaneous. "This is a way to ratchet up pressure and appeal to anti-India elements before the elections," Shringla said.

Inqilab Moncho on Friday urged its supporters not to respond to any "instructions or provocations" from sources other than the platform itself, as the body of slain activist Osman Hadi arrived in Bangladesh from Singapore.

The deployment comes as Dhaka continues to witness unrest following the death of Hadi, the convenor and spokesperson of 'Inqilab Moncho', who was shot at close range on December 12 while travelling in a rickshaw in Dhaka's Bijoynagar area. Critically injured, he was first taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital and later shifted to Evercare Hospital for intensive care. On December 15, Hadi was flown to Singapore by air ambulance for advanced medical treatment, where he later died

The US Embassy in Dhaka warned US citizens of heavy traffic and possible unrest as the body and funeral of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi are expected in the city, advising vigilance and avoidance of demonstrations and large gatherings.