Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced that New Delhi has initiated the process of reopening all channels of bilateral engagement with Dhaka, with ministerial-level contacts already underway.
"We are working to reactivate all instruments of our bilateral relationship. Ministerial-level contacts are being established," Misri told a visiting delegation of Bangladeshi journalists at the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi on Monday.
The foreign secretary noted that the two neighboring countries share over 40 institutional frameworks covering critical areas such as water sharing, trade, border management, security, connectivity, and consular affairs.
Many of these mechanisms became dormant following political changes in Bangladesh last year during the tenure of the interim government.
Acknowledging the challenges that emerged during that transitional period, Misri stated that India is now actively re-engaging with the newly elected BNP-led administration. "Schedules for the meetings are being drawn up. The outcomes will be visible in the coming weeks and months," he said.
Describing India’s approach toward Bangladesh as constructive, positive, and pragmatic, Misri emphasized that people remain at the center of the bilateral relationship.
Highlighting the depth of their ties, he pointed out that the two nations share a border of over 4,000 kilometers and 54 transboundary rivers, and that Bangladesh is India's largest trading partner in the region. "We want to advance and modernize our economic partnership with Bangladesh," he added.
On the pressing issue of consular services, the foreign secretary confirmed that India is working toward resuming full visa operations for Bangladeshi citizens, with further progress expected shortly.
He also indicated that trade issues would be a primary focus in upcoming discussions to ensure mutual benefits for businesses and citizens on both sides.
Regarding Indian Line of Credit (LOC) projects, Misri mentioned that future financing discussions would be guided by the projects prioritized by the Bangladesh government.
On water sharing, he confirmed that the Joint Rivers Commission will continue technical discussions on unresolved issues, including the renewal of the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty and the long-awaited Teesta agreement.
When asked about regional diplomacy, Misri respected Bangladesh's sovereignty in managing its relations with other countries while expressing hope that the mutual bilateral interests of Dhaka and New Delhi would remain safeguarded.
