India supports democratic, inclusive Bangladesh: MEA spokesperson
We have reiterated their willingness to build a "positive and constructive" relationship with Bangladesh based on "mutual trust, respect, and mutual sensitivity" to each other's concerns and interests, the spokesperson says
India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has said they support a "democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive, and inclusive" Bangladesh.
"That is our approach to Bangladesh and our ties with Bangladesh, and as a democracy also," said official spokesperson at the MEA Randhir Jaiswal while responding to a question on election issues in Bangladesh.
During a weekly media briefing yesterday (20 December), the spokesperson said they have reiterated their willingness to build a "positive and constructive" relationship with Bangladesh based on "mutual trust, respect, and mutual sensitivity" to each other's concerns and interests.
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Jaiswal referred to recent Foreign Office Consultations between the two countries where they had a range of talks and they have very clearly defined their approach towards their ties with Bangladesh.
"We've also emphasized that the people of Bangladesh are the main stakeholders in India-Bangladesh relations and noted that India's development cooperation and multifaceted engagements with Bangladesh, including in the areas of connectivity, trade, power, energy, and capacity building and such activities are all geared towards the benefit of the people of Bangladesh," he said.
One of the reporters wanted to India's stance on Adviser Mahfuz Alam's recent Facebook post.
In reply, the MEA spokesperson said they have taken this up with the Bangladesh government.
"We have actually strongly registered our protest on this issue. We understand that the post that you referred to has been taken down. We would like to remind all concerned to be mindful of their public comments," Jaiswal said.
While India has repeatedly signalled interest in fostering relations with the people and the interim government of Bangladesh, such comments underline the need for responsibility in public articulation, he said.
"And once again to repeat that we have strongly protested against this with the Bangladesh government," Jaiswal said.
He said India follows all developments which have a bearing on their security and interest very closely. "And we take these things very seriously and take action as appropriate."
