"Pranay Verma discusses how India and Bangladesh have much to offer each other."

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Pranay Verma, expressed optimism about the future of Dhaka-Delhi relations, despite the evolving regional dynamics. He emphasized that both countries have much to offer one another, with their growing capabilities and ambitions, eliminating the need to look elsewhere for mutual benefits.

"We view the relationship as one where both sides have so much to offer, with our shared goals for growth and development," Verma said, reaffirming India’s support for a "democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive, and inclusive" Bangladesh.

Verma shared these thoughts during an interaction with diplomatic correspondents at the High Commission on Monday evening, following their participation in a two-phase training program in New Delhi. The event was attended by Nurul Islam Hasib, President of the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB), and General Secretary Ashiqur Rahman Apu, along with former DCAB president and Daily Sun Editor Rezaul Karim Lotus, Views Bangladesh Editor Md Mehedi Hasan Rashed, and New Age Chief of Correspondents Mustafizur Rahman.

The High Commissioner emphasized that India and Bangladesh are looking at their relationship from a long-term perspective, beyond short-term considerations. "We need to approach this relationship with mutual sensitivity, understanding each other’s interests, concerns, and aspirations," he said.

Verma highlighted that both countries have a strong stake in each other's progress and prosperity. He reiterated that India is committed to maintaining a "positive, stable, and constructive" relationship with Bangladesh, grounded in mutual benefits. He also underscored the importance of people-to-people cooperation, stating that the relationship should be beneficial for the common people on both sides.

Addressing concerns about the pace of the relationship, Verma clarified that any perception of stagnation is unfounded. He pointed to several recent developments, such as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message to Chief Adviser Prof. Yunus, their subsequent phone conversation, and Modi’s invitation to Prof. Yunus to attend the third Voice of Global South Summit in August, as evidence of ongoing engagement. He also mentioned the meeting between External Affairs Adviser Dr. S. Jaishankar and Bangladesh’s Md Touhid Hossain at the UNGA, as well as the Foreign Office Consultations at the foreign secretary level, which further demonstrated the vitality of their ties.

Verma emphasized the continued flow of essential goods from India to Bangladesh and highlighted that India is issuing more visas to Bangladesh than all other embassies combined. He stressed the importance of transforming geographic proximity into new economic opportunities, and expressed confidence that the strong fundamentals of the India-Bangladesh relationship will carry them forward, despite regional changes.

Verma concluded by reaffirming India’s commitment to advancing the mutually beneficial relationship with Bangladesh, underscoring that both countries are doing everything necessary to strengthen their ties. The High Commission of India organized the weeklong training program in two phases this year for members of the Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Bangladesh (DCAB) and other journalists.