23 September :India wants to advance positive, constructive and future-oriented relations with Bangladesh, Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal has said. He said New Delhi is prepared to discuss all bilateral issues within the existing institutional frameworks between the two countries.
Jaiswal made the remarks in response to a question at the Indian Foreign Ministry’s regular weekly briefing in New Delhi on Tuesday, 22 September.
“This is India’s approach. We want to take this relationship forward in a positive and constructive direction, which will be future-oriented,” Jaiswal said.
During the briefing, he was asked about the possible appointment of Asad Alam Siam as Bangladesh’s next high commissioner to India and the possibility of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman visiting India. In response, the Indian spokesperson said New Delhi wants to continue discussions on all bilateral issues within the existing institutional frameworks.
Jaiswal, however, declined to comment on a possible visit by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to India or whether any preconditions were attached to such a visit. He also said he had no information regarding the possibility of a meeting between the Bangladeshi prime minister and the Indian foreign minister on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
Meanwhile, a new example of military-level communication and engagement between the two countries is emerging around India’s multilateral air exercise, “Tarang Shakti”. The exercise is scheduled to take place from 26 September to 12 October at the Jodhpur Air Force Station in Rajasthan.
Alongside the United States, France, Germany, Australia and the United Arab Emirates, the Bangladesh Air Force will also participate in the exercise. Bangladesh is expected to take part with a C-130J transport aircraft. Representatives from 32 other countries will participate as observers.
Bangladesh took part in the first edition of “Tarang Shakti” in 2024 only as an observer. Its direct participation in this year’s exercise is being viewed as a new dimension in military-level engagement between Bangladesh and India.