Indian envoy holds key meetings in Dhaka, reaffirms commitment to stronger bilateral ties

Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma met Bangladesh’s Minister for Home Affairs Salahuddin Ahmed and exchanged views on security cooperation and other bilateral issues of common interest between the two neighbouring countries.

During the discussions, the envoy also held talks with Bangladesh’s Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Md Asaduzzaman later in the day. Both meetings focused on enhancing cooperation across multiple sectors and strengthening institutional engagement.

Verma conveyed India’s readiness to work closely with the new government of Bangladesh to expand people-centric cooperation based on mutual interest, mutual benefit and mutual respect. He emphasised that both sides share historic ties and must build on existing mechanisms to deepen collaboration in areas such as security, trade, connectivity and legal cooperation.

The diplomatic engagement comes amid continued high-level interactions after Bangladesh’s recent political transition. On February 22, Verma met Bangladesh’s new Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and Minister of State Shama Obaed Islam at the Foreign Ministry. He described the meeting as a courtesy interaction and an initial exchange of views following the formation of the new government.

Earlier developments also underline the growing momentum in bilateral communications. On February 13, soon after Bangladesh’s elections, the Prime Minister of India sent a congratulatory message to Bangladesh leader Tarique Rahman , followed by a phone conversation the same day. These exchanges reflected India’s intent to maintain continuity in diplomatic engagement.

Subsequently, on February 17, the Speaker of Lok Sabha visited Dhaka to attend the swearing-in ceremony and represented the Government of India at the event. During bilateral discussions, the Speaker handed over a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Bangladesh’s leadership, reaffirming support for deeper cooperation.

India has reiterated its commitment to supporting a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh and expressed readiness to engage in a positive and forward-looking manner. The recent interactions demonstrate sustained diplomatic outreach aimed at strengthening multifaceted ties, expanding collaboration in key domains and ensuring stable neighbourly relations.

Through these high-level engagements, both sides have signalled their intention to maintain regular dialogue and reinforce partnership in areas that advance shared strategic and developmental interests.