Pranay Verma: India-Bangladesh relations cannot be simplified to a 'single issue'

Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma stated that India’s relationship with Bangladesh is complex and cannot be reduced to a "single agenda" or a single issue. While there are some points of tension, they have not hindered the overall relationship between the two countries.  

He made these remarks while discussing India-Bangladesh relations during the Bay of Bengal Conversations, organized by the Centre for Governance Studies in Dhaka.  

Verma emphasized that India remains committed to fostering a stable, positive, and constructive relationship with Bangladesh, where the people of both nations are the primary stakeholders. He highlighted the ongoing progress in trade, transport, energy connectivity, and people-to-people exchanges as a testament to the multifaceted nature of their ties.  

“The reality of our interdependence and mutual benefit will continue to reassert itself, regardless of political changes,” Verma noted.  

The Indian envoy emphasized that India views its relationship with Bangladesh from a long-term perspective, with the belief that the peace, security, progress, and prosperity of both countries are interconnected. He pointed to recent developments, such as the launch of 40 MW of power transmission from Nepal to Bangladesh via the Indian grid, and the expansion of infrastructure at the Petrapole-Benapole Integrated Check Post, as examples of continued bilateral progress. Verma also described India-Bangladesh cooperation as a cornerstone for regional integration under frameworks like BIMSTEC.  

The High Commissioner reiterated India’s commitment to working alongside the government and people of Bangladesh to achieve shared goals of peace, security, and development, ensuring that the partnership continues to benefit the common people in both nations.