Touhid, Jaishankar to meet likely in Oman next month
Diplomatic Correspondent :
Amid strained relations between Bangladesh and India over a series of unresolved issues, both sides have refrained from holding high-profile meetings to address the crisis and work towards normalising ties.
However, sources from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have indicated the possibility of a meeting between Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser, Md Touhid Hossain, and India’s Foreign Minister, S. Jaishankar, during the 8th Indian Ocean Conference in Oman, scheduled for February 16-17, under the theme “Voyage to New Horizons of Maritime Partnership.”
Although the meeting has not yet been confirmed, it is viewed as a crucial step towards breaking the ice after a period of strained relations.
Following political changes in Bangladesh on August 5, diplomatic ties between the two neighbours have faced increasing challenges, including volatile border tensions, disputes over fencing, and the killing of Bangladeshi nationals by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF).
Bangladesh has also voiced concerns over the continuous dissemination of what it describes as ‘propaganda and fake news’ by Indian media. Despite these hurdles, diplomatic sources indicate that both countries remain keen to keep communication channels open.
The last significant interaction took place in December when India’s Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri, visited Dhaka for the Foreign Office Consultation (FOC). However, no major high-level meeting has occurred since then.
Ministry sources have indicated a possibility of a meeting between the two foreign ministers on the sidelines of the Ocean Conference. Both parties have agreed in principle and are working on the arrangements.
When asked about potential discussion topics for the Touhid-Jaishankar meeting, a diplomat mentioned that bilateral relations experienced strain and a few unwelcome incidents following the political changes on August 5. The two foreign ministers last met in September in New York, and India’s Foreign Secretary also visited Dhaka in December.
It is expected that issues of mutual interest will be discussed during the meeting. Sources in Dhaka suggest that topics may include border tensions, visa issues, the Teesta water-sharing agreement, the renewal of the Ganges Treaty, and other ongoing bilateral matters.
While challenges persist, the diplomatic community believes that continued dialogue remains the most effective means of de-escalating tensions and fostering long-term cooperation between the two nations.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, speaking to the media on Friday, stated, “Our approach to Bangladesh has always been to maintain friendly ties and adopt a positive outlook to build our relationship.”
“We support a democratic, progressive, and inclusive Bangladesh. We want to strengthen our ties so that the people of India and Bangladesh can prosper. Our approach to Bangladesh is very clear,” he added.