Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said on Monday that New Delhi remains committed to a pragmatic, forward‑looking partnership with Bangladesh. He stressed that India wants ties rooted in mutual respect, stability and people‑centred development, and that the country will continue to back democratic processes in its neighbour.
“India is firmly in favour of free, fair, inclusive and participatory elections in Bangladesh. We want those elections held as soon as possible,” Misri told reporters. “If the Bangladesh authorities set a timetable, we support it.”
He added that India would work with whichever government wins the vote, emphasizing that the decision-maker must have a popular mandate. Misri underscored that India’s engagement is guided by realism and adaptability.
India has stayed connected with Bangladeshi officials through high‑level visits, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s early welcome to President Muhammad Yunus when he became chief adviser to the interim government. Misri noted his own recent trip to Bangladesh, which helped clarify key issues on both sides.
Trade and economic cooperation form a cornerstone of the India‑Bangladesh relationship. India remains Bangladesh’s largest importer of goods in Asia and has supported a range of concessional finance projects in the country. The two countries have held regular working‑level meetings on border security, river management, trade and development programmes.
The upcoming Bangladeshi elections are a focus for observers worldwide. Misri said the timetable, now set for February, will be closely watched. “India’s stake in Bangladesh’s peace, progress and stability is clear,” he added, noting that regional stability benefits both nations.
Misri urged a forward‑looking agenda. “We should look beyond past disagreements and focus on shared opportunities,” he said. He highlighted sectors such as startups, technology, energy and healthcare as areas for deepening cooperation.
On border incidents, Misri acknowledged concerns from both sides, saying that most incidents occur on the Indian side and that solutions have already been proposed through dialogue.
India and Bangladesh share over 4,000 kilometres of common border, and while differences may arise, Misri stressed the importance of practical, mutually beneficial solutions. “We should not shift blame when challenges appear,” he said. “Instead, let’s keep moving toward a stronger, people‑centric partnership.”
Source: aninews
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