In a significant diplomatic development, the High Commissioner of India, Pranay Verma, met with the newly appointed Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, Hasan Mahmud, MP, on January 15 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka. This meeting marked the first official interaction with a foreign envoy for Minister Mahmud, signaling a fresh chapter in the diplomatic relations between the two South Asian neighbors.
During the meeting, both sides expressed satisfaction with the current state of bilateral relations and pledged to foster even closer collaboration in the days ahead. Foreign Minister Mahmud, in particular, highlighted the success of Bangladesh’s 12th parliamentary elections held on January 7. Emphasizing the fairness and inclusivity of the electoral process, he addressed concerns related to arsons perpetrated by the BNP during protests, underscoring the necessity for constructive dialogue.
Foreign Minister Mahmud extended his gratitude to the Government of India and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaisankar for their congratulatory message on Bangladesh’s successful elections, acknowledging the importance of regional partnerships.
Describing India as Bangladesh’s most important and closest neighbor, Mahmud outlined key areas for enhanced engagement. These include connectivity, water management, coastal shipping, trade, and investment. He urged prompt action on the renewal of the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty, set to expire in 2026, and emphasized the need for amicable resolution of pending issues.
Expressing appreciation for the initiative to conduct bilateral trade in local currencies, Mahmud commended the move as a step towards reducing dependency on international currencies, promoting economic stability.
Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma, in turn, acknowledged Bangladesh’s achievements in 2023, highlighting collaborative projects related to connectivity and power. Proposing collaboration in diverse areas such as climate change, digital payment systems, startups, and trade facilitation, Verma expressed India’s commitment to fostering a comprehensive and mutually beneficial relationship.
In a gesture of goodwill, High Commissioner Verma extended an invitation on behalf of External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaisankar for Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud to visit Delhi at a mutually convenient time. Foreign Minister Mahmud graciously accepted the invitation, indicating his intention to visit Delhi soon. This sets the stage for increased diplomatic engagement between the two nations, underscoring the commitment to deepening ties and addressing shared challenges in the evolving global landscape.
As India and Bangladesh move forward, the diplomatic dialogue reflects a shared vision for regional stability, economic prosperity, and collaborative solutions to common challenges. The positive outcomes of this meeting hold promise for an enduring partnership that extends beyond geographical proximity, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic ties in shaping the future of the South Asian region.
