Dhaka, Delhi Seek to Strengthen Bilateral Relations

“We both agreed that improving our working relationship is essential, and we aim to resolve the remaining issues,” Hossain told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He added that although business interactions between the two countries have resumed and are nearing pre-pandemic levels, certain issues, particularly visa-related concerns, still need to be addressed.

Hossain emphasized that Dr. Jaishankar had a positive outlook on resolving these issues. While specific challenges were not discussed in detail, Hossain acknowledged that several hurdles remain that must be addressed for the relationship to progress further.

The Adviser also extended an invitation to Dr. Jaishankar to visit Bangladesh. He explained that there is a standing mechanism for meetings at the Foreign Minister level, with the last such meeting held in New Delhi under the previous government. Bangladesh will arrange the visit once a suitable date is confirmed.

In response to a question about the extradition of deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Hossain clarified that while this was not a topic of specific discussion, the broader issue was acknowledged. He noted that Bangladesh had requested her extradition following a court order.

Addressing concerns regarding a pause in U.S. funding, Hossain stated that this issue was not specific to Bangladesh and that the country had no role in the matter. He stressed that Bangladesh would focus on finding ways to navigate through such challenges.

Hossain met with Jaishankar on the sidelines of the 8th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) in Muscat on Sunday. During their discussion, both sides recognized the challenges in their bilateral relations and agreed on the need for continued cooperation to address them.

In a related development, from February 18-20, Directors General of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the Border Security Force (BSF) held a meeting in New Delhi to discuss and resolve various border-related issues, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“Conversations at the meeting also focused on our bilateral relationship, as well as on Bimstec,” Jaishankar stated after the meeting in Muscat. Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus is expected to attend the upcoming Bimstec Summit in Bangkok on April 4.

Hossain also emphasized the importance of renewing the Ganges Water Treaty and urged India to consider convening a meeting of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) Standing Committee.

Both sides discussed a variety of mutual concerns and interests during their meeting, reflecting their ongoing commitment to improving bilateral ties. Hossain recalled their previous encounter on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in September 2024 and highlighted the continued engagement between the two countries. Additionally, the Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between Bangladesh and India took place in Dhaka on December 9, 2024, while Bangladesh's Energy Adviser participated in the India Energy Week in New Delhi earlier this month.