India vows to boost connectivity with BD
Staff Reporter :
India has reiterated its commitment to enhancing connectivity, cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges with Bangladesh, underlining the multifaceted nature of the longstanding bilateral relationship.
The reaffirmation came during the celebration of the 54th anniversary of Bangladesh’s Independence, hosted by the Bangladesh High Commission at the Taj Palace Hotel in New Delhi on Thursday, according to a press release.
Traditionally observed on 26 March, the event was rescheduled this year due to several factors, including the arrival and presentation of credentials by Bangladesh’s new High Commissioner to India, as well as the observance of Ramadan during that period.
Kirti Vardhan Singh, India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, attended the ceremony as guest of honour. In his address, he praised the enduring strength of India-Bangladesh ties, describing them as “forged through shared experiences and sacrifices” and “a foundation for a partnership that is both resilient and forward-looking.”
He emphasised the importance of deepening cooperation across a range of sectors-including trade, connectivity, energy, and cultural exchanges-and stressed India’s commitment to further enhancing interlinkages with Bangladesh.”
We are committed to fostering stronger ties with Bangladesh across all domains. We also look forward to strengthening our people-to-people connections, which lie at the heart of our partnership,” he said.
Bangladesh High Commissioner to India, M Riaz Hamidullah, highlighted the need to chart a forward-looking agenda for cooperation between the two neighbouring nations.”
We commemorate not only to honour our shared history but also to envision a future of partnership and progress,” he noted. Citing the recent transmission of 40 MW of Nepalese hydropower to Bangladesh via Indian territory, he pointed to growing sub-regional connectivity and collaboration.
As the current chair of BIMSTEC, Bangladesh, he added, remains committed to advancing regional cooperation.
The celebration featured a cultural programme, including an exhibition of traditional Jamdani sarees and a specially curated menu from Dhaka’s renowned Fakhruddin Catering, with the iconic Dhakaiya Kacchi Biriyani as the centrepiece.
The event was attended by a wide range of guests, including diplomats, government officials, academics, members of civil society, and media professionals.