India has expressed its firm commitment to building a “friendly and strong” relationship with the newly formed government in Bangladesh. The statement was made by Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), during a weekly media briefing in New Delhi on Friday.
Addressing the transition in Dhaka, Randhir Jaiswal noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to the new Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman, immediately following the election victory.
Diplomatic Engagement and Support
The spokesperson highlighted recent high-level interactions, emphasizing India’s proactive approach:
- Congratulatory Message: Prime Minister Modi sent a formal letter to Tarique Rahman, which was delivered by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla during the swearing-in ceremony in Dhaka on February 17.
- Vision for Stability: In the letter, India reaffirmed its support for a “democratic and inclusive” Bangladesh.
- Strengthening Ties: India expressed its eagerness to bolster multifaceted bilateral relations, building on the warm and historic ties between the two neighbors.
“Building on our historic ties, we look forward to further strengthening the multifaceted bilateral relationship and engaging closely with the new government,” Randhir Jaiswal told reporters.
Looking Ahead
The MEA spokesperson indicated that India is ready to take the relationship forward across various sectors. New Delhi remains optimistic that the transition will pave the way for enhanced regional cooperation and mutual growth.
