Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman stated that Dhaka and New Delhi have agreed on the need to reset and take forward bilateral ties based on sovereign equality and mutual interests. This announcement came after India’s new High Commissioner paid his first courtesy call on the minister.
Focus on Mutual Interests
Dr Khalilur Rahman emphasized that both countries agreed their relations should move forward with mutual interests at the forefront. "We both agree that our two countries' relations should move forward keeping mutual interests at the forefront and, as I always say, on the basis of sovereign equality," he told journalists.
Courtesy Call and Future Discussions
The meeting was a courtesy call, and no detailed discussions on specific bilateral issues took place. "This was a courtesy call. We did not have any extensive discussion on any particular issue, as there will be opportunities for that later," Rahman said. The foreign minister acknowledged existing irritants in the relationship that need addressing.
Upcoming Engagements and Broader Understanding
Regarding India’s invitation to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to attend the upcoming 18th BRICS Summit, the foreign minister said they are currently reviewing it. Additionally, US President Donald Trump's Special Envoy for South and Central Asia, Sergio Gor, is expected to visit Dhaka to seek a broader understanding of Bangladesh and its priorities. The minister described Dhaka-Washington relations as “multidimensional” and noted the United States remains the largest international contributor to the Rohingya humanitarian response.
