POBNEWS24, Dhaka Dec 9, 2024 : Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri arrived here this morning on an Indian Air Force aircraft amid ongoing strained relations between the neighbours.
Misri, landed shortly after 8:30 am, is set to join the foreign secretary level Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) with Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Md. Jashim Uddin at noon today.
This marks the first high-level official meeting between Bangladesh and India since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government.
Upon his arrival in Dhaka, Misri was welcomed by Bangladesh Foreign Ministry’s Director General (South Asia Division) Ishrat Jahan while Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verrma was present.
This is Misri’s first visit to Bangladesh as the Indian Foreign Secretary.
He is likely to join a one to one discussion with Bangladesh foreign secretary and after that the FOC at the State Guest House Padma which is scheduled to begin at 11 am.
Following the secretary-level meeting, Misri will attend a luncheon before paying courtesy call on Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain and Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus.
He is expected to return to Delhi tonight.
Bangladesh and India are set to discuss key issues including trade, visas, connectivity, border killings, water-sharing, and other matters of mutual concern.
“I hope the foreign secretaries will have a productive discussion,” said Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain on Sunday.
Hossain acknowledged that relations between the two countries have faced changes since August 5, 2024 and emphasized the importance of mutual efforts to navigate the “changed reality”.
He expressed hope that both nations could overcome the recent stalemate through dialogue.
“We expect to overcome this impasse. Mutual communication and regular engagement are crucial to resolving any deadlock,” Hossain said.
Earlier while interacting with the media last week, Touhid said, “It is very clear that we want a good relationship (with India).”
However, the foreign adviser emphasized that relations between Bangladesh and India must be built on a reciprocal basis. “Both sides need to want that and should work for it,” he added.
On Thursday, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mohammad Rafiqul Alam stated that preparations for the high-level consultations had been coordinated through an inter-ministerial meeting.
Alam noted that the agenda might include a range of bilateral issues, including trade and regional connectivity, while also addressing extradition of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India in August.
The foreign ministry’s earlier briefing suggested that the matter could come up during discussions.
