Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi on Wednesday laid emphasis on proper preparations by both sides before the meeting between Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, noting that there is no benefit in rushing.
“We have to make sure that proper preparations are made because many issues will have to be discussed - trade, commerce, water - many issues. We are very positive about the future,” he told reporters in response to a question.
After a courtesy meeting with Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan, the High Commissioner said they have to give both Prime Ministers a convenient time.
“As far as the Prime Minister’s visit is concerned, the atmosphere is absolutely positive,” said the Indian envoy, noting that no discussion had been held about the timing or month, but the visit would definitely take place.
He said there would be no issues for which a solution could not be found if the two leaders met and sat together. “See, challenges will be there. If we think there are no challenges - that would be wrong.”
Meanwhile, Indian External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Tuesday evening said the two countries have a Joint Rivers Commission and that all matters relating to rivers - including the Ganga Water Treaty and other rivers shared by the two countries - would be discussed under the JRC.
“To also let you know that, at the technical level, meetings on the Ganga Water Treaty have continued to happen,” he told reporters in New Delhi.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir on Tuesday said Bangladesh and India would overcome their existing challenges through dialogue and discussion, expressing optimism about positive outcomes in the near future and a visit by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to India.
“Of course, there are some challenges. We are hopeful that we can overcome these challenges through dialogue and discussion. And, of course, you know, at some point, with a conducive environment in place, a visit by the Prime Minister also… We had a very good discussion,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the afternoon.
Asked about the timing of the visit, he said it would be decided later through mutual discussion.
“So, we will do a visit when the environment is conducive, based on mutual respect,” said the State Minister, noting that they had a “very good, cordial and productive” conversation.
On speculation that November could be a possible timeframe, Kobir declined to comment. “There are many rumours, but I do not talk about rumours. I talk about reality, and the reality is that we had a very good meeting today,” he added.
Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi on Tuesday described the overall state of Bangladesh-India relations as “absolutely positive”, saying Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit to India would take place at a mutually convenient time.
“I am telling you again. Our invitation is open. I don't think there is a need for a hurry. Everything is very positive. But we must give due time,” he told reporters in response to a question at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Bangladesh underscored its commitment to working in a forward-looking and mutually respectful way with India on issues of mutual interest and for the benefit of the people.