Indian envoy meets Bangladesh PM Rahman; discusses bilateral ties, security cooperation (Ld)
Dhaka, Aug 10
Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, on Monday described his first meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman as "fruitful", saying that the two countries not only share a border but also "share dreams", local media reported.
Trivedi on Monday held separate bilateral meetings with Bangladesh PM Rahman and Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed. The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral partnership across several sectors.
Taking to X following the meeting with Rahman, the Indian High Commission said that the envoy conveyed India's intent to work together with the Bangladeshi government and the people 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.
Addressing reporters following his meeting with the Bangladesh Prime Minister, Trivedi said that India was looking forward to a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rahman and expressed confidence that discussions would help address issues between the two countries.
"We are looking forward. Our invitation is there in place. We are positive that if the two leaders meet together, there will be discussion. There will be issues in democracies. It's not democracy if there is no issue. But there is only one people's issue, which is good relations. It's a win-win situation if there is a good relationship," leading Bangladeshi media outlet UNB quoted Trivedi as saying.
He, however, did not respond when asked whether Rahman would attend the BRICS Summit's outreach session next month in New Delhi.
Last week, India said that PM Rahman had 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 Indian High Commissioner further said that his meeting with Rahman was more like an interaction between two public representatives rather than a formal diplomatic engagement.
"I am not a diplomat. It's like people's representative to people's representative. I am very delighted that we have met. I didn't feel that I met him for the first time. Very good, very humble, on the ground, what will be the discussion -- people-to-people relations," said Trivedi.
He also expressed confidence that all issues between the two countries can be resolved.
Following his meeting with PM Rahman, Trivedi met Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, during which the two sides explored ways to advance bilateral ties and exchanged views on a range of issues of mutual interest, including security cooperation.
During the meeting, Trivedi conveyed India's readiness to expand people-centric engagement across various areas, guided by mutual interests, benefits and sensitivities.
Sharing the details of the meeting, the Indian High Commission in Dhaka took to X and posted: "The discussions focused on furthering the bilateral relations and covered areas of common interest, including security cooperation between the two countries. High Commissioner conveyed India's willingness to strengthen people-centric cooperation in all domains, based on mutual interest, mutual benefit and mutual sensitivities."
— IANS
Reader Comments
While diplomatic talks are important, I hope our government also addresses the border fencing and illegal immigration concerns that affect regular citizens. These have been lingering issues for years and need concrete solutions, not just warm words.
"It's not democracy if there is no issue" - absolutely loved this line from our High Commissioner! Shows a mature and realistic approach to international relations. This is how neighbors should talk to each other. 👏
Good initiative by India to engage with the new Bangladeshi leadership. Security cooperation is crucial, especially given our shared concerns about terrorism and radicalization. But I also hope the issue of border killings is raised firmly - that's a matter of life and death for many families.
The "people-centric approach" is the right way forward. Our two nations share so much - language, culture, food, and even rivers! More people-to-people contact will naturally resolve diplomatic issues. Hoping Modi ji and Rahman ji meet soon.
While it's good to strengthen ties, I have some concerns about the new government in Bangladesh. As a nation, we must ensure that our security interests are protected. The water-sharing of the Teesta river, coal import dues, and border security - these should be priorities, not just photo opportunities.
A We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.