Diplomatic Correspondent: Dhaka and New Delhi yesterday discussed strengthening bilateral relations across various sectors during talks in New Delhi, marking a renewed engagement following Bangladesh`s political changes and aiming to restore ties on the basis of mutual respect and shared interests.
Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman held the meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, where both sides reviewed bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and global developments.
"We discussed strengthening our bilateral relationship in its various facets," Jaishankar said in a message shared on his verified X handle after the meeting.
He also noted that the two sides exchanged views on regional and global developments.
"Pleased to host FM Khalilur Rahman of Bangladesh and his delegation this afternoon," Jaishankar said.
The two countries agreed to remain in close contact to further advance bilateral cooperation, he added.
Prime Minister`s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir and Bangladesh High Commissioner to India M Riaz Hamidullah were present at the meeting.
The visit marks the first high-level trip to India since the BNP government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, assumed office following a period of strain in bilateral relations.
The foreign minister, who arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday, is also scheduled to hold meetings with India`s Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal.
Following the New Delhi engagements, Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman is expected to travel to Mauritius on Thursday (tomorrow) morning alongside his Indian counterpart to attend the 9th Indian Ocean Conference.
On Tuesday, Bangladesh Foreign Ministry`s spokesperson SM Mahbubul Alam said Bangladesh will emphasise stability and the continued development of bilateral relations grounded in dignity, mutual trust and shared interests.
The visit is also expected to help elevate Bangladesh-India cooperation to a more productive and sustainable level in the coming years, the spokesperson added.