India Seeks Stronger Ties with Bangladesh's New Government Under PM Tarique Rahman

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma held his first meeting with the country's new Foreign Minister, Dr. Khalilur Rahman, and Minister of State Shama Obaed Islam. The meeting followed recent high-level communications, including a congratulatory message and phone call from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Bangladesh's new Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also attended the swearing-in ceremony in Dhaka, conveying a personal invitation from PM Modi. India reiterated its commitment to strengthening multifaceted cooperation with Bangladesh's new government in a constructive and forward-looking manner.

Key Points: India-Bangladesh Relations: High Commissioner Meets New Govt

  • First high-level meeting with new govt
  • PM Modi's congratulatory message to Tarique Rahman
  • Lok Sabha Speaker attended swearing-in
  • Commitment to democratic, inclusive Bangladesh
  • Focus on people-centric cooperation
2 min read

"India desires to build ties with Bangladesh's new govt", says Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh

Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma meets Bangladesh's new foreign minister, reiterating India's desire to strengthen bilateral ties and cooperation.

"We expressed the desire to build on our historic ties with Bangladesh and strengthen our multifaceted bilateral relations. - Pranay Verma"

Dhaka, February 22

India has expressed its desire to build ties with the new government of Bangladesh, Pranay Verma, Indian high commissioner in Dhaka, said on Sunday.

Verma met Bangladesh's new foreign minister, Dr. Khalilur Rahman and minister of state, Shama Obaed Islam, at the Bangladesh foreign ministry.

"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", Verma told the reporters after the meetings.

"You are aware of our recent high-level communications with Bangladesh since the election. On February 13, soon after the elections, the Prime Minister of India sent a congratulatory message to H. E. Mr Tarique Rahman. They also spoke on the phone later that day. Later on February 17, when the new Government was sworn-in, our Speaker of Lok Sabha visited Dhaka to attend the swearing-in ceremony, representing the Government of India. He also had a bilateral meeting with the new Prime Minister. During the meeting, our Speaker handed a letter from Prime Minister Modi to Prime Minister Rahman", he added.

The Indian envoy further said that India looks to build on its ties with Bangladesh and strengthen cooperation.

"In all these communications, we expressed the desire to build on our historic ties with Bangladesh and strengthen our multifaceted bilateral relations. We also underlined our commitment to support a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh", Verma said.

"In today's meeting with the Foreign Minister, I reiterated our position that we look 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," the Indian high commissioner added.

Earlier, on February 18, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla had attended the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh's new Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Dhaka and conveyed a personal invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit India at the earliest convenience.

Birla extended warm congratulations to Tarique Rahman and reiterated that India stands ready to support Bangladesh's efforts to build a democratic, progressive, and inclusive nation.He also reaffirmed India's commitment to strengthening the enduring partnership between the two neighbouring countries.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Good to see diplomatic engagement continuing smoothly after the elections. A stable and cooperative Bangladesh is in everyone's interest. The focus on "people-centric cooperation" is the right approach.
P
Priya S
While building ties is important, I hope our government also respectfully addresses ongoing issues like the Teesta river water sharing. Our friendship must be based on tangible benefits for common people on both sides, not just diplomatic niceties.
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Vikram M
Sending the Lok Sabha Speaker was a good gesture. Our shared history and culture create a strong foundation. Let's hope this translates into easier travel, more trade, and collaborative efforts in sectors like renewable energy and disaster management.
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Rohit P
Jai Hind! A strong Bangladesh means a stronger South Asia. We stood with them in 1971 and that bond is forever. Time to boost digital and startup partnerships now. #NeighbourhoodFirst
K
Kavya N
Mutual interest and mutual benefit are the key words here. Hope this leads to practical solutions for our fishermen and better border management. The relationship is too important to be left to chance.

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