Indian envoy meets Bangladesh PM, discusses ways to deepen bilateral ties
Dhaka, Aug 10
Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi called on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Dhaka on Monday, where the two sides discussed issues of mutual interest and explored ways to deepen bilateral ties between the two countries with a focus on a people-centric approach.
During the meeting, Trivedi conveyed greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and reiterated New Delhi's willingness to work with the Bangladesh government.
Following the meeting, the Indian High Commission in Dhaka took to X and posted: "High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi paid a courtesy call on Hon'ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Tarique Rahman on 10 August 2026. High Commissioner conveyed greetings from Hon'ble Prime Minister of India and the intent to work together with the Government and the people of Bangladesh in a positive, constructive and forward-looking manner,"
"They exchanged views on matters of mutual interest and discussed avenues for further strengthening bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh with a people-centric approach," it added.
According to the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, the half-an-hour-long discussion is expected to go a long way towards advancing bilateral ties between the two countries.
Trivedi, on Sunday, described Prime Minister Modi and Rahman as "people's persons" and expressed confidence about sorting out problems between the two nations if the two leaders hold a meeting, local media reported.
Speaking to reporters after inaugurating the 'Children Playing Area' at the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) , Trivedi said: "I listened to his (PM Rahman) speeches many times.... He is a people's person, our Prime Minister (Modi), too. I think when two leaders meet, a lot of problems are sorted out. I have full confidence."
Trivedi stressed that people are united and there will definitely be a solution. "I am very confident. There is nothing negative. Things remain positive," he said, Bangladeshi media outlet United News of Bangladesh (UNB) reported.
Last week, India said that Bangladesh PM Rahman has been invited to attend the outreach session of the 18th BRICS Summit to be held in New Delhi in September in his capacity as the current Chair of BIMSTEC.
The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a grouping of seven member states lying in the littoral and adjacent areas of the Bay of Bengal. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), it is a unique link connecting South Asia with South-East Asia, with five Members from South Asia (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka) and two from South-East Asia (Myanmar and Thailand).
Addressing a bi-weekly media briefing in New Delhi on Tuesday, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that a formal invitation to visit India had already been extended to Rahman after he had assumed office in February 2026.
Other heads of regional groups have also been invited in a similar manner, he added.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Neighbourhood first policy in action. Trivedi Ji's comments about PM Modi and PM Rahman being 'people's persons' show genuine warmth. Hope this translates into better connectivity and trade for both nations.
The BIMSTEC invitation is a smart diplomatic move. It strengthens India's position in the region while giving Bangladesh a platform. Win-win for both!
As an outsider, I find this fascinating. India's relationship with Bangladesh has matured beyond just shared borders. Trade, energy, and cultural ties are the pillars now. Hope the people-centric approach yields real results on the ground.
While diplomatic niceties are fine, need to see concrete action on longstanding issues like water sharing and border management. Good intentions must be backed by follow-through. 🧐
It's refreshing to see a positive, forward-looking statement. India and Bangladesh share deep historical and cultural bonds. A people-centered approach is exactly what's needed to build trust and prosperity across the region.
Having a friendly Bangladesh is crucial for India's security and economic interests. The fact that PM Modi and PM Rahman are described as 'people's persons' gives me hope that they'll resonate with common folks on both sides.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.