Desk Report: Bangladesh and India have agreed to enhance their bilateral relations by addressing remaining challenges and fostering “good working relations.” This was the outcome of a recent meeting between Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain and Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar in Muscat, Oman.
Speaking to reporters, Touhid highlighted that while business ties between the two countries had already recovered to previous levels, issues such as visa-related problems still needed attention. Jaishankar was reportedly optimistic during the discussions. Both parties acknowledged that there are challenges to overcome in order to move forward in strengthening their relationship, but India did not specify any particular issues during the meeting.
Touhid also mentioned that he invited Jaishankar to visit Bangladesh and noted that the two countries have a mechanism for foreign minister-level meetings. The last such meeting took place in New Delhi during the previous administration. Bangladesh will coordinate Jaishankar’s visit once a suitable date is confirmed.
While the discussion covered several key issues, including the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Touhid clarified that no specific talk was held on the matter. He emphasized that it remains an independent issue, following a court order from Bangladesh.
Regarding the suspension of US funding, the adviser pointed out that it was not a matter directly involving Bangladesh, but the country must focus on finding ways to adapt.
On the sidelines of the 8th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) in Muscat, both sides acknowledged the various challenges in their bilateral relations and discussed the importance of addressing them together. Additionally, a meeting was held between the directors general of Bangladesh’s Border Guard (BGB) and India’s Border Security Force (BSF) in New Delhi from 18-20 February, where several border-related issues were resolved.
Both sides also discussed broader regional cooperation, including the renewal of the Ganges Water Treaty and the importance of holding a meeting of the SAARC Standing Committee. Touhid reiterated the importance of these discussions in strengthening regional ties.
Further emphasizing bilateral engagements, both countries noted their participation in various joint initiatives, including the Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) held in Dhaka in December 2024 and Bangladesh’s energy adviser’s participation in India Energy Week in New Delhi in February 2025.
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus is scheduled to attend the Bimstec Summit in Bangkok on 4 April 2025, where further discussions on regional cooperation are expected.