The first high-level contact with Dhaka since the fall of the Awami League government, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended support to a “democratic, stable” Bangladesh. Modi’s comments came during a telephone call he received from the head of Bangladesh’s transitional government, Muhammad Yunus, on Friday.

This marks the first time the two leaders have spoken since Yunus took office on August 8, three days after the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was a long-time ally of India.

“Exchanged views on the prevailing situation” with Yunus, Modi wrote on social media. “Reiterated India’s support for a democratic, stable, peaceful and progressive Bangladesh. He (Yunus) assured protection, safety and security of Hindus and all minorities in Bangladesh.”

Modi is the second foreign leader to speak to Yunus since the transitional government was appointed earlier this month. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had previously pledged Kuala Lumpur’s support to the Yunus-led interim setup.

The change in government in Bangladesh has raised concerns in India, with reports suggesting that Indian officials had lobbied the United States to tone down its criticism of the Hasina government.

According to the Washington Post, Indian officials argued that any change in Dhaka would pose a threat to India’s national security.

Hasina, who has blamed Washington for her downfall, has fled to New Delhi. Around 580 people were killed in Bangladesh since July 16 during protests that began with demands for reforms to a public jobs quota but later culminated in the end of the Awami League’s 15-year rule.

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The Modi government’s outreach to the new Bangladeshi leadership underscores India’s desire to maintain stability and influence in the region, even as it navigates the complex political shifts unfolding across its eastern neighbor.