India looks to strengthen ties with Bangladesh in 'positive direction'

India today (20 February) said it looks forward to strengthening its multifaceted relationship with Bangladesh following the formation of a new government in Dhaka and will engage closely with the new administration to take bilateral ties forward in a "positive direction".

Responding to questions at the weekly media briefing, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman soon after his electoral victory.

Jaiswal said Om Birla attended Tarique Rahman's swearing-in ceremony on 17 February and delivered a letter from the Indian prime minister to the newly elected Bangladeshi leader.

"Birla also held a bilateral meeting with the Bangladesh prime minister during the visit. The letter underlined India's commitment to support a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh," he added.

He noted that India intends to build on the warm and historically close ties between the two neighbours.

"We look forward to further strengthening our multifaceted bilateral relationship with Bangladesh and engaging with the new government to take cooperation forward," Jaiswal said.

On reports that India may resume issuing visas to Bangladeshi nationals, the spokesperson said, "New Delhi has conveyed its readiness to discuss all aspects of bilateral relations as part of ongoing diplomatic engagement."

Asked about Tariqur Rahman's Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir's reported remark about Hindu radicals in India, Jaiswal said, "We have a new government in place. We want to build our ties; we want to strengthen our ties with Bangladesh.

"All aspects of our relationship will be discussed, and we will seek how best we can take our ties in a positive direction to build warm and historic ties with Bangladesh."