A peaceful India-Bangladesh relationship will contribute to the stability and development of the northeast region, India’s ambassador to Dhaka Vikram Doraiswami has said, adding that it could also transform the geopolitical contours of South Asia.
“In future of India and Bangladesh relationship is crucial for both Bangladesh and India’s national aspirations,” Doraiswami said while speaking to Indian Diplomacy—the official account of India’s foreign affairs under the aegis to the ministry of external affairs.
He also said that Bangladesh is currently India largest development partner.
“If the relationship (of India and Bangladesh) and its promise is correctly implemented or correctly realized .. at least in substantial measure, it has the prospect of transforming the way the subcontinent functions—in terms of trade, in terms logistics, in terms of connectivity but also in terms of the way in which the people of South Asia relate to each other,” he said.
Doraiswami pointed out that the India Bangladesh relations not only have a bearing on overall foreign policy and security but are also crucial for domestic security and stability for both countries.
Also read: In a letter to Modi, Sheikh Hasina pledges to add lustre to India-Bangladesh special ties
Interestingly, the diplomacy platform, which launched a new programme to analyse India’s relationship with other countries – both big and small — kicked it off with Bangladesh, reflecting the importance New Delhi attaches to its neighbour.
Former diplomat and visiting fellow at ORF Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty, also present on the show said noted that the two neighbours share a civilizational connect through language, cuisine and culture.
Recently, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, while greeting India on its Republic Day, recalled New Delhi’s contribution during the Liberation War of 1971. The leader also expressed hope that the two neighbours will continue working for the next 50 years and beyond towards building “a peaceful and prosperous region.”
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi who visited Dhaka in March 2021, called Bangladesh India’s “soho jatri” or a co-traveller.
