Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi said on Tuesday that the overall state of Bangladesh‑India relations is “absolutely positive” and indicated that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit to India will be arranged at a mutually convenient time.
He reiterated that “our invitation is open,” adding that “there is no need for a hurry. Everything is very positive, but we must give due time,” he told reporters while responding to a question at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The High Commissioner met with State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kobir at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where they discussed issues of mutual interest.
State Minister Kobir emphasized Bangladesh’s commitment to cooperate with India in a forward‑looking, mutually respectful manner on issues of shared interest, stressing that such collaboration is intended to benefit the peoples of both nations.
Trivedi expressed hope that the political leadership of both countries would find a convenient time for further engagement.
He said they are confident that, whenever the prime ministers of both sides deem it convenient, progress will be made.
The high commissioner stated that political compulsions on both sides continue to exist, though he also noted that "work is in progress."
In a statement, Trivedi affirmed, “There is no question about anything like it. I am positive, the state minister is positive, and the people of Bangladesh are positive. Everything is possible.”
When asked about the current state of bilateral relations, the Indian envoy said that political compulsions exist on both sides, but they should not eclipse the broader relationship.
The Indian High Commissioner, speaking about his interactions with State Minister Kobir, said he had developed a good relationship with the minister and described him as “very upright, very frank and very open.”
The high commissioner said their discussions were marked by openness and positivity.
“Our discussions are actually very positive,” he said.
Trivedi praised Kobir’s vision and approach, noting that he regarded the state minister as receptive to dialogue on matters of shared interest.
Trivedi said it was essentially a courtesy call and an opportunity to convey his congratulations and greetings.
He said, “It was purely a courtesy meeting – I was happy to congratulate [him] from the High Commissioner’s side, from India’s side, and I also sent the greetings to the Prime Minister through him.”
He also referenced the prime minister’s recent visit to New York, commenting, “He had great meetings in New York.”
During the meeting, they discussed bilateral issues, as well as regional and international matters, including the recently concluded 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Last week, India reiterated its desire to advance its relationship with Bangladesh in a positive, constructive, and forward-looking manner, while expressing its willingness to discuss all bilateral issues between the two nations.
During a recent media briefing in New Delhi, Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated in response to a question about bilateral ties that "India desires a positive, constructive, and forward-looking relationship with Bangladesh."
Jaiswal said India is ready to discuss all bilateral issues with Bangladesh through the existing structured mechanisms.
“Our intent is to take this relationship forward in a positive direction, in a constructive direction, in a forward-looking manner,” he said.
Why it matters
The meeting signals continued diplomatic engagement between Bangladesh and India despite political complexities, with both sides emphasizing forward-looking cooperation.