India signals fresh diplomatic outreach to Bangladesh
India has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh, with Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma underscoring New Delhi’s consistent position during a series of recent engagements in Dhaka.
Speaking at a national-level Srimad Bhagavad Gita recitation competition held on Saturday at the historic Dhakeshwari Temple, the envoy reiterated India’s support for Bangladesh’s democratic and inclusive trajectory.
The event, organised by Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad (BPUP), was attended by political leaders, cultural figures and community representatives, including Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Bijon Kanti Sarkar and BPUP President Basudeb Dhar.
In his address, Verma said India remains committed to standing beside Bangladesh as it moves towards a more progressive and inclusive future.
“India has and will always support a democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh,” he said, echoing a message he has delivered in several recent engagements.
The High Commissioner’s remarks form part of a broader diplomatic outreach since February, signalling India’s intention to deepen engagement with Bangladesh’s new government while maintaining continuity in bilateral relations.
On 8 March, Verma delivered similar remarks at an Iftar reception hosted by the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, attended by senior ministers, political leaders and civil society members.
He emphasised the enduring nature of Bangladesh-India relations, rooted in shared history, cultural affinity and people-to-people connections.
“As we gather here today, we are reminded of the bonds of friendship and societal and familial links between India and Bangladesh that connect our people and our hearts,” he said, adding that the relationship is strengthened by the sacrifices made during the 1971 Liberation War.
Highlighting future cooperation, the envoy said both countries stand “at the cusp of a new future” where collaboration could deliver shared prosperity across the region.
India has also indicated its readiness to work closely with Bangladesh’s new political leadership following the recent elections.
On 22 February, Verma told reporters after meetings with Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed that India looks forward to engaging with the new government and expanding cooperation across sectors.
“We look forward to engaging with the new Government in Bangladesh,” he said, noting that India aims to enhance “people-centric cooperation in all domains” based on mutual interest and shared benefit.
The envoy also referred to recent high-level exchanges between the two countries.
According to him, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a congratulatory message to Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on 13 February, followed by a telephone conversation between the two leaders later the same day.
On 17 February, India’s parliamentary Speaker Om Birla visited Dhaka to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the new government and delivered a letter from Modi to Rahman.
“In all these communications, we expressed the desire to build on our historic ties with Bangladesh and strengthen our multifaceted bilateral relations,” Verma said.
Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman is scheduled to visit India on 7 April for a two-day trip, where he is expected to discuss a range of bilateral and regional issues with Indian counterparts.
The visit is widely viewed as part of efforts to rebuild and recalibrate relations after a period of strain during the tenure of the interim government led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, when high-level engagements slowed and mutual confidence weakened.
Observers see the upcoming visit as a timely step towards restoring trust and reinvigorating cooperation in areas such as trade, connectivity, security coordination and regional stability.
At the same time, the BNP-led government has articulated its foreign policy approach as “Bangladesh First”, signalling a focus on national interest while pursuing balanced and constructive international partnerships.
