India Awaits Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman's Visit, Says High Commissioner

India's High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, has said New Delhi is "eagerly looking forward" to the visit of Bangladesh's Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, expressing optimism that the trip will take place in the near future.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday after his first courtesy meeting with Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trivedi described the discussions as warm, cordial, and constructive.

Asked whether Rahman's invitation to the upcoming BRICS Summit in India was discussed during the meeting, the envoy said the matter was entirely the prerogative of Bangladesh's Prime Minister. However, he reaffirmed India's enthusiasm for the visit.

"We are eagerly waiting for the Prime Minister of Bangladesh to visit India. I am confident it will happen in the near future," Trivedi said. "We are very optimistic, and we are all looking forward to it."

The Indian High Commissioner said the talks covered a wide range of issues, including the two countries' shared history, cultural ties, people-to-people exchanges, and sports, particularly cricket. He stressed that the future of Bangladesh-India relations should be built on mutual benefit for the people of both countries.

"We do not just share a border; we share history, culture, and dreams," he said, adding that the recent reopening of visa services had been welcomed by citizens on both sides.

Responding to a question on the renewal of the Teesta and Ganges water-sharing agreements, Trivedi said the meeting was a courtesy call and did not involve detailed negotiations. Nevertheless, he emphasized that bilateral working groups in both countries are actively engaged on outstanding issues.

"There is no problem that cannot be resolved through mutual understanding," he said. "At the end of the day, the people of both countries are what matter most."

Trivedi expressed hope that the working groups would make further progress before Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's expected visit to India, paving the way for more positive outcomes in bilateral relations.

Dinesh Trivedi assumed office as India's High Commissioner to Bangladesh after entering the country through the Benapole-Petrapole land border on June 12.