India reaffirms pledge to people-centric, mutually beneficial cooperation with Bangladesh
'In all these communications, we expressed the desire to build on our historic ties with Bangladesh and strengthen our multifaceted bilateral relations,' says Verma
India has reiterated its commitment to strengthening people-centric and mutually beneficial cooperation with Bangladesh, expressing its readiness to work closely with the country's newly formed government.
"So, I think, of course, people-to-people exchanges are a very important part of our bilateral relations," Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka Pranay Verma said while speaking to reporters today (22 February) following his first meeting with Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and State Minister of Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed after the formation of the new government.
"It was my first meeting with the new foreign minister and minister of state after the formation of the new government in Bangladesh. So, it was more of a courtesy meeting and an initial exchange of views," he added.
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During the meeting, the high commissioner reiterated that India looks forward to engaging with the new government in Bangladesh.
"I conveyed that we want to strengthen our people-centric cooperation in all domains, working together in a positive, constructive and forward-looking manner, based on mutual interest and mutual benefit," he said.
"So that was the conversation that we had and we really look forward to it," said the high commissioner.
Verma highlighted recent high-level communications between the two countries following Bangladesh's general election.
On 13 February, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a congratulatory message to Bangladesh's Prime Minister Tarique Rahman shortly after the election results were announced.
"They also spoke on the phone later that day," said the high commissioner.
Subsequently, on 17 February, Lok Sobha Speaker Om Birla and India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri represented the Indian government by attending the swearing-in ceremony of the new government in Dhaka.
On the sidelines of the ceremony, they also held bilateral meetings with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
"During the meeting, our speaker handed a letter from Prime Minister Modi to Prime Minister Rahman," said the high commissioner.
"In all these communications, we expressed the desire to build on our historic ties with Bangladesh and strengthen our multifaceted bilateral relations," said Verma.
He added that India also underlined its commitment to supporting a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh.
He further noted that India values its long-standing partnership with Bangladesh and looks forward to deepening collaboration in trade, connectivity, energy, development partnership, and cultural exchanges, ensuring that the benefits of cooperation directly reach the people of both countries.
Verma expressed confidence that the existing foundation of trust and cooperation between the two neighbours would continue to grow under the new government, reinforcing regional stability and shared prosperity.
