Dhaka-Delhi relations are not starting anew; rather, based on a long history of mutual history, culture, and geographical proximity, they are progressing “slowly but surely”, according to Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman.
He made these remarks in a recent interview with Indian media outlet NDTV in Mauritius, which was published on Friday.
In the interview, the foreign minister said a positive atmosphere has been observed in recent meetings in New Delhi, with both sides eager to strengthen relations through dialogue.
Referring to the performance of both countries’ national anthems at Bangladesh’s National Day celebration event in New Delhi on 26 March as a symbol of the strength of bilateral relations, he said it was a memorable moment.
Noting that the ongoing crisis in the Middle East has impacted the global energy market, affecting South Asian countries as well, Khalilur Rahman mentioned India’s swift assistance in fuel supply to Bangladesh. “We have a pipeline, and India is supplying diesel to Bangladesh,” he said.
He further said that during his recent visit to India, a request was made for additional diesel supply, and India has assured an increase after meeting its own domestic demand.
Expressing optimism about the renewal of the 1996 Ganges water sharing treaty, the Foreign Minister said an equitable and climate-resilient water sharing framework is important for both countries.
He said water is limited, and the Ganges means life, which depends on the livelihoods of people on both sides of the border. He also mentioned climate change as a common challenge for both countries.
The foreign minister further said economic cooperation, cross-border connectivity, and infrastructure development must bring tangible benefits to ordinary people. He also emphasised increasing people-to-people contact and a simplified visa system.
Regarding foreign policy and China, Khalilur Rahman said Bangladesh’s foreign policy is not based on any ‘zero-sum’ concept. Relations with other countries are not a problem.
He also commented that India’s role is not like an external partner to Bangladesh, but rather is considered an essential and structural presence.
