India is seeking a "pragmatic, constructive and responsible" reset in its relationship with Bangladesh, focusing on rebuilding trust, reviving long-pending institutional mechanisms, and strengthening people-centred engagement. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Tuesday told the visiting journalists from Bangladesh.
Misri said India aims to reactivate more than 40 dormant bilateral mechanisms that have remained inactive for years.
Bilateral relations faced strain during interim govt in BD, Vikram Misri tells visiting journalists
"We want to revive all instruments that were pending for years. We are now engaging our people to start dialogue from both sides… we hope we will be able to activate more than 40 dormant bilateral mechanisms with Bangladesh soon," he said. The interaction was hosted by India's Ministry of External Affairs.
Misri acknowledged that bilateral relations had faced strain during Bangladesh's interim administration. He said India had attempted to maintain continuity in engagement, though results were limited.
"We had made efforts to maintain continuity in engagement, though these attempts did not always yield results," he said, adding that India continued to pursue "pragmatic policies" even during a difficult phase.
He said New Delhi is now looking to open a "new chapter" in ties following political changes in Bangladesh, with emphasis on restoring trust, enhancing cooperation, and deepening economic engagement.
Water sharing and sensitive issues
Misri said the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty, due for renewal in December, would be handled through established institutional mechanisms.
"Both countries share 54 common rivers, and cooperation in the water sector remains a priority because it directly affects life and livelihood," he said, noting that discussions would continue through the Joint Rivers Commission and technical channels.
On the long-pending Teesta water-sharing agreement, he declined to speculate on whether political changes in West Bengal could alter prospects. "I would not want to prejudge the issue," he said.
Responding to recent remarks by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma that questioned the direction of India-Bangladesh relations, Misri said the comments were made in a specific context and should not be amplified in a way that affects diplomacy. He reiterated that foreign policy is determined by India's central government.
Sheikh Hasina extradition issue
On Bangladesh's request for the extradition of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, Misri said the matter is under examination in accordance with India's legal and judicial processes.
He did not offer a direct political comment, instead emphasising that governments work together for mutual benefit.
"A government works with another government for the benefit of people in both countries," he said, adding that cooperation initiatives are designed to serve citizens regardless of political developments.
He also rejected suggestions of Indian interference in Bangladesh's electoral processes.
Trade, connectivity and visas
Misri said both sides remain engaged on expanding economic cooperation, including discussions on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). However, he did not specify timelines.
He said visa operations between the two countries are being restored after a prolonged period of disruption. All Bangladeshi visa centres in India, including missions in Delhi, Kolkata, Agartala, Mumbai and Chennai, are now operational and being reopened in phases.
He added that both sides are working to stabilise relations following nearly 18 months of strain after political changes in Bangladesh.
Energy cooperation and regional integration
Highlighting energy cooperation as a key pillar of ties, Misri said cross-border electricity trade and regional energy linkages could significantly enhance energy security for both countries.
He pointed to ongoing discussions on strengthening connectivity and power cooperation, noting that such initiatives could evolve into broader regional frameworks involving neighbouring countries.
He also referred to past cooperation in fuel supply during global disruptions, describing it as an example of practical partnership between the two sides.
Border management and security concerns
Misri acknowledged that the over 4,000-kilometre India-Bangladesh border remains complex and sensitive, with persistent challenges including smuggling, trafficking, cattle trade disputes and occasional use-of-force incidents.
"It's a hugely sensitive issue in our relationship. We need to focus on it more and more," he said.
Development projects and credit lines
On India-funded projects under Lines of Credit, Misri said several initiatives were affected following political changes in Bangladesh in 2024, leading to delays and suspension of some works.
He said some projects have been completed, others are ongoing, while a number remain in different stages of implementation or review.
"If Bangladesh wants to resume them, we are ready to do so," he said, adding that technical-level coordination is ongoing through relevant authorities.
Regional grouping and outlook
On regional cooperation, Misri said India does not see significant scope for revival of SAARC in its current form and instead supports strengthening BIMSTEC as a more effective platform.
He reiterated that India is not inclined to engage with countries that support terrorism, and emphasised the importance of democratic values in regional cooperation frameworks.
He described the current phase as a period of transition in regional diplomacy, with India adapting to changing geopolitical alignments while maintaining its core interests.
Outlook
Misri said engagement between India and Bangladesh will continue, but at a measured and structured pace, shaped by political realities on both sides as well as shared strategic and economic interests.
"As both countries navigate domestic political changes and regional uncertainties, the ability to rebuild trust and sustain dialogue through institutional mechanisms will determine the future trajectory of ties," he said.
