India, Bangladesh to explore proposals for deepening partnership
The two sides agreed to explore proposals for deepening the partnership through the relevant bilateral mechanisms.
India today (8 April) conveyed its desire to engage constructively with the new government in Bangladesh as the two countries agreed to explore proposals for deepening the partnership through bilateral mechanisms for which meetings were expected to take place at an early date.
The decision to explore the proposals was taken at a delegation-level meeting visiting Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman had with his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi.
Jaishankar "reiterated India's desire to engage constructively with the new government and further strengthen bilateral ties", according to a statement issued by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.
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"The two sides agreed to explore proposals for deepening the partnership through the relevant bilateral mechanisms. Follow-on official meetings are expected to take place at an early date," reads the statement.
Both sides exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. The meeting with Jaishankar was the high point of Khalilur's maiden visit to India on becoming foreign minister on 17 February.
During the visit, Khalilur also met Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri, the MEA said, without elaborating.
During Khalilur's meeting with Jaishankar, Humayun Kabir, adviser on Foreign Affairs to Prime Minister of Bangladesh Tarique Rahman, was also present.
After the meeting with Khalilur, Jaishankar posted on X, "Pleased to host FM Khalilur Rahman of Bangladesh and his delegation this afternoon."
Jaishankar added, "We discussed strengthening our bilateral relationship in its various facets. Also exchanged views on regional and global developments."
He said both agreed to remain in close touch.
Khalilur, who reached Delhi yesterday on his first visit to India as foreign minister, held talks with Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval for nearly an hour over a dinner the latter hosted yesterday.
Khalilur is scheduled to leave Delhi for Mauritius tomorrow to attend the ninth Indian Ocean Conference on 9-10 April where Jaishankar will deliver the keynote address.
