New Delhi, Nov 13 India on Friday said it desires a “positive, constructive and forward-looking” relationship with Bangladesh, remarks that came amid ongoing diplomatic friction and postponement of the bilateral consular dialogue.
The relations between the two neighbours came under fresh strain following former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s virtual media interaction in New Delhi on August 5.
The India-Bangladesh consular dialogue was scheduled for next week, but it has been postponed.
“India desires a positive, constructive and forward-looking relationship with Bangladesh,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at his regular media briefing.
“Accordingly, initiatives have been taken and meetings held under our structured mechanisms in such areas as trade, railways, water resources and border management, among others,” he said.
Jaiswal said the next round of the consular dialogue, which will also take up matters relating to the revised travel arrangement, will be held on a mutually convenient date.
“India remains ready to discuss all bilateral issues with Bangladesh through these existing mechanisms, including at the technical level,” he said.
Following Hasina’s virtual media interaction, Dhaka reiterated its demand for her extradition. India sought to distance itself from the event saying New Delhi neither played a role in it nor endorsed Hasina’s comments.
The Bangladesh foreign ministry had reacted sharply to Hasina’s media interaction and said the country is “outraged” as it was permitted to be held despite Dhaka conveying concerns to New Delhi over the likely ramifications of the event on the bilateral relations.
Hasina, 78, was ousted from power in August 2024 following violent student-led protests. She has been living in India since fleeing Dhaka on August 5 that year.
Amid the continuing strain in ties, India invited Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for a bilateral visit as well as to attend the outreach session of the BRICS summit in New Delhi in September.
However, Rahman skipped the BRICS summit and there is no clarity on whether he will visit India anytime soon.
Asked about Bangladesh’s consistent demand to extradite Hasina, Jaiswal said it is a legal matter and will be dealt with accordingly.
(PTI News)
