India’s External Affairs Secretary Vikram Misri has reaffirmed New Delhi’s commitment to continued engagement with Bangladesh on the Teesta water-sharing issue but avoided speculating whether changing political dynamics in West Bengal could help move talks forward.
“I would not want to prejudge the issue,” he said, reiterating India’s willingness to remain engaged.
The Teesta agreement has long been stalled due to opposition from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, highlighting the complex interplay between federal and state-level politics in India’s foreign policy.
Speaking to a group of Bangladeshi journalists in New Delhi on Monday, Misri said both sides have a general understanding to gradually restore institutional engagement that has lost momentum in recent years.
He noted that outreach has already taken place at the political level following the formation of the new government in Bangladesh, and efforts are under way to convene meetings under various bilateral platforms. The interaction was hosted by the Ministry of External Affairs.
Misri said India is looking to revive and progressively activate more than 40 dormant bilateral mechanisms with Bangladesh, signalling a cautious but deliberate push to reset ties amid lingering political sensitivities.
The discussion covered a wide range of strategic and sensitive issues, highlighting both opportunities and constraints in one of South Asia’s most significant bilateral relationships. Questions were raised on key challenges, the possible extradition of Sheikh Hasina, water cooperation including the Teesta and Ganges agreements, remarks by Himanta Biswa Sarma, the principles guiding bilateral ties, the West Bengal elections, visa issues, and prospects for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
Controlled engagement, cautious messaging
The interaction took place on the first day of a five-day visit by a 26-member delegation of Bangladeshi journalists, invited by India’s Ministry of External Affairs. It marked the second such outreach, following a similar initiative last year when Bangladesh was under an interim administration.
The session itself reflected a cautious approach. Journalists were initially asked to deposit mobile phones and recording devices upon entering the premises. Although the briefing was later described as “on record” by MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, he said any official recording or transcript would be subject to internal review before release.
As a result, reporters relied largely on handwritten notes, underscoring the sensitivity that continues to shape Dhaka–Delhi engagement during Bangladesh’s ongoing political transition.
Water cooperation remains central
Water sharing, arguably the most enduring and emotive issue in Bangladesh–India relations, featured prominently in the discussion.
Vikram Misri acknowledged concerns over the impending expiry of the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty, due for renewal in December this year. He noted that the agreement, signed nearly three decades ago, has functioned effectively and would be addressed through established institutional channels.
The two countries share 54 rivers, making water cooperation a critical priority as it directly affects livelihoods on both sides. Misri said discussions on renewal would take place through the Joint Rivers Commission and other technical bodies.
Political rhetoric
The briefing also touched on recent controversial remarks by Himanta Biswa Sarma, who had publicly expressed pessimism about Dhaka–Delhi relations.
Asked about New Delhi’s position, Misri responded cautiously, noting that the comments were made in a specific context and should be viewed accordingly.
His response reflected the Indian government’s preference to avoid amplifying domestic political statements that could complicate bilateral diplomacy.
On the West Bengal elections, Misri said foreign policy decisions are determined by the central government, indicating that electoral outcomes at the state level do not directly shape India’s external relations.
Sheikh Hasina issue
Questions surrounding former Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina and India’s perceived political preferences drew a more substantive response.
Vikram Misri said India has worked closely with successive governments in Dhaka, including the Awami League administration, describing this as standard diplomatic practice.
“A government works with another government for the benefit of people in both countries,” he said, adding that cooperation initiatives such as cross-border electricity supply are intended to serve all citizens, regardless of political affiliation.
He rejected suggestions that India had engaged in any form of election engineering in Bangladesh.
However, a journalist pointed to a persistent perception gap, arguing that while India may not discriminate among citizens, its engagement has at times appeared politically selective. The journalist noted that past leaders such as Hussain Muhammad Ershad and Khaleda Zia did not receive similar treatment to that extended to Sheikh Hasina during periods of political upheaval.
The exchange underscored a deeper trust deficit that continues to shape public discourse in Bangladesh regarding India’s role in its domestic politics.
Engagement with interim leadership
On ties with Bangladesh’s interim administration, Misri said India had sought to maintain continuity in engagement, though these efforts did not always produce results.
He noted that he visited Dhaka in 2024 for Foreign Office Consultations and referred to a subsequent meeting between Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of a regional event in Bangkok in 2025.
According to Misri, India pursued “pragmatic policies” during this period, but progress was limited due to what he described as a lack of responsiveness from certain sections within the Bangladeshi administration.
His remarks suggest that bureaucratic and political misalignment on both sides may have contributed to the slowdown in bilateral engagement during the transition period.
Beyond politics: Trade, visas and connectivity
In addition to political and water-related issues, the discussion also covered economic and people-to-people linkages, including visa facilitation and negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
Vikram Misri did not outline specific timelines, but his remarks suggested that both sides remain keen to advance trade integration and connectivity initiatives, which have been central to Bangladesh–India relations over the past decade.
A relationship at an inflection point
The interaction with Bangladeshi journalists offered a clear snapshot of a relationship in transition — marked by recognition of mutual strategic importance, but also shaped by political sensitivities and unresolved issues.
India’s emphasis on reviving institutional mechanisms points to a preference for steady, incremental progress rather than sweeping diplomatic moves. At the same time, Bangladesh’s concerns, particularly over water sharing and political perceptions, highlight the need for stronger confidence-building measures.
As both countries navigate domestic political shifts and regional uncertainties, their ability to rebuild trust and sustain dialogue through these mechanisms may determine the future trajectory of Dhaka–Delhi ties.
For now, the message from New Delhi appears clear: engagement will continue, but at a measured pace, shaped as much by political realities as by shared interests.
