India-Bangladesh ties vital for shared future: Pranay Verma

Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma today (24 January) said India and Bangladesh, as fast-growing economies, are well-positioned to act as catalysts for each other's sustainable growth and anchors of robust regional integration.

"Bangladesh has been an important co-traveller in this journey of ours," he said at a reception marking India's Republic Day at a city hotel. 

Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan was present as the chief guest. 

Verma said Dhaka and Delhi seek "forward-looking and future-ready collaborations," describing a partnership "rooted in trust, driven by innovation and technology, and nurtured and sustained by mutual interest, mutual benefit and mutual sensitivity."

Highlighting bilateral ties, Verma said, Bangladesh and India share "a special relationship, along with an indelible history of shared sacrifices during Bangladesh's Liberation War of 1971."

He said cultural bonds run deep, citing "Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam, whose works connect our cultures and literatures," alongside shared traditions of music, art, dance, theatre and cinema.

The envoy underlined expanding connectivity and economic engagement, pointing to "a cross-border pipeline carrying high-speed diesel from an Indian refinery to Bangladesh" and "cross-border power transmission lines, bringing power from both India and Nepal to Bangladesh through the Indian grid," as foundations of regional energy connectivity and integration.

"Our supply chains fuel Bangladesh's prolific RMG and pharmaceutical sectors, proving the merits of cooperation and interdependence," he said, adding that such partnerships have delivered tangible benefits for people and businesses on both sides.

He said together India and Bangladesh can build "regional value chains, shared digital ecosystems, and energy corridors," ensure a "clean, affordable and secure" energy future, and jointly address environmental sustainability and climate change.

The High Commissioner said, "As we gather today to commemorate India's Republic Day, we reaffirm the value of our long-standing partnership with Bangladesh and wish the people of Bangladesh peace, prosperity and success on their journey ahead," adding that India "will continue to support a democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh."