India has expressed readiness to work closely with Bangladesh’s newly formed government, with Indian High Commissioner to Dhaka Pranay Verma stating that New Delhi looks forward to strengthening bilateral engagement following the political transition in the neighbouring country.
Speaking to reporters after meeting Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman on Sunday, Verma said India was keen to reengage with the new administration led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who took oath on February 17 after his party secured a decisive victory in the February 12 elections. The meeting, which was also attended by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed, marked the envoy’s first formal interaction with the new foreign policy leadership.
Verma described the interaction as largely a courtesy call and an initial exchange of views, aimed at reaffirming India’s intent to deepen cooperation across sectors. He said India wished to advance people-centric collaboration in multiple domains through a positive, constructive, and forward-looking partnership based on mutual interests and shared benefits.
The envoy noted that diplomatic engagement between the two countries had already begun at the highest levels following the election outcome. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had congratulated Tarique Rahman soon after the results were announced, and the two leaders later spoke over the phone. Verma also highlighted the visit of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to Dhaka to attend the swearing-in ceremony, where he represented India and held bilateral discussions with the new Bangladeshi prime minister.
The formation of the new government comes after an 18-month period under the Muhammad Yunus-led interim administration, during which relations between India and Bangladesh experienced strain. Indian officials have indicated that the latest outreach reflects a renewed effort to stabilise and strengthen ties.
Reiterating New Delhi’s broader diplomatic approach, Verma said India remains committed to supporting a democratic, progressive, and inclusive Bangladesh while building upon the longstanding historical and cultural connections between the two nations and expanding multifaceted bilateral cooperation in the coming period.
