India awaits PM Tarique's visit: Envoy

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi on Wednesday said New Delhi is eagerly looking forward to welcoming Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to India and expressed hope that the visit would take place soon.

"I think it is the Prime Minister's prerogative. But from our side, I can say that we are eagerly looking forward to welcoming the head of the Bangladesh government to India. We hope the visit will take place very soon," he said.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to attend the 18th BRICS Summit as a special guest. The summit is scheduled to be held in New Delhi on September 12-13.

Asked about the possible timing of the Prime Minister's visit, Trivedi said it would depend on the Bangladesh premier's priorities. He was speaking to reporters after separate meetings with Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Responding to a question on pending bilateral issues, including the Teesta and Ganges water treaties, the High Commissioner said: "Today's meeting was primarily a courtesy call, and it carried the warmth expected of one.

However, there is no issue that cannot be sorted out through mutual understanding. Ultimately, at the end of the day, it is about people. Whatever is beneficial for both democracies and their citizens will be prioritised."

Regarding the treaty renewals, he said both India and Bangladesh have active working groups.

"These working groups will certainly meet and deliberate. As I mentioned, there is no problem that cannot be resolved. The working groups will actively do their part, and once the Prime Minister visits India, things will move forward constructively," the High Commissioner said.

He described the meetings as a positive step forward.

"We had a remarkably good meeting, which is a very positive step forward. The meetings were held in an exceptionally warm environment," he said.

"I can tell you that historically, culturally, and even in sports�"such as cricket�"our connections run deep. We discussed all these aspects."

"This relationship is truly historical. We share not only our borders but also our history, culture and aspirations."

"I am looking forward to a relationship whose very foundation rests on mutual, people-to-people benefits for both nations. This is just the beginning, and I am confident we will continue to engage more deeply with each other moving forward," the High Commissioner said.

Deputy High Commissioner Pawan Badhe and other officials of the Indian High Commission were also present.