India Expects Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman's Visit at Mutually Convenient Time

India's High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, has expressed hope that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's visit to India will take place at a mutually convenient time, describing the overall state of bilateral relations as "entirely positive."

Speaking to reporters at Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday after a meeting with State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir, Trivedi said India's invitation to the Bangladeshi prime minister remains open.

"Once again, I would like to say that our invitation remains open. I don't think there is any need to rush. Everything is very positive, but we should allow the appropriate time," the Indian envoy said.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed a range of issues of mutual interest. State Minister Humayun Kabir reaffirmed Bangladesh's commitment to working with India on the basis of mutual respect and a forward-looking partnership aimed at advancing the interests and well-being of the people of both countries.

Trivedi said he was confident that the political leadership of the two nations would identify a mutually convenient time for the prime ministers to meet.

"Whenever the two prime ministers find it convenient, the process will move forward. We are very confident about that," he said.

Rejecting suggestions of any strain in bilateral ties, the High Commissioner said there was "absolutely no question" of anything negative.

"There is no such question. I am positive, the State Minister is positive, and the people of Bangladesh are positive. Everything is possible," he added.

Asked about the current state of Bangladesh-India relations, Trivedi acknowledged that both countries have their own political considerations but stressed that cooperation continues.

"Work is moving forward," he said.

Referring to his discussions with Humayun Kabir, the envoy said they had developed a good working relationship, describing the state minister as principled, candid, and open. He added that their discussions were frank and constructive.

Trivedi said the meeting was primarily a courtesy call and an opportunity to congratulate the newly appointed state minister.

"It was entirely a courtesy visit. On behalf of India and as High Commissioner, I was pleased to congratulate him. Through him, I also conveyed my greetings to the Prime Minister," he said.

The envoy also referred to the Bangladeshi prime minister's recent visit to New York, saying, "He had excellent meetings in New York."

According to officials, the meeting covered bilateral relations, regional and international issues, as well as discussions on the outcomes of the recently concluded 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Last week, India reiterated its intention to pursue a positive, constructive, and forward-looking relationship with Bangladesh while expressing readiness to discuss all bilateral issues through existing diplomatic mechanisms.

Speaking at a press briefing in New Delhi, Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India remains committed to strengthening ties with Bangladesh.

"Our objective is to move this relationship in a positive, constructive, and forward-looking direction," Jaiswal said, adding that India is prepared to engage with Bangladesh on all bilateral issues through the existing institutional framework.