Reiterating India's support for an inclusive nation, Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma on Saturday evening said they are confident that the reality of their 'interdependence and mutual benefit' will continue to keep driving the relationship between Bangladesh and India forward.

"I am confident that we will work together to fulfil the aspirations of our people and forge closer people-to-people ties, inspired by our shared sacrifices of the past and guided by our new aspirations for the future," he said.

The High Commissioner made the remarks while speaking at a function commemorating the 'Maitri Diwas' (Friendship Day) at the Old India House in the city.

Freedom fighters, cultural activists, civil society members and journalists were present. 

High Commissioner Verma said India stood by the people of Bangladesh in 1971 and will continue to support them, in realising  the vision for a 'democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive' nation.

The celebration marked the anniversary of Maitri Diwas - the day when 54 years ago, India recognised Bangladesh as an independent and sovereign nation.

There are many historical moments in India's support to Bangladesh during the Liberation War. 

"But 6th of December 1971 stands out as a particularly special date. What is most remarkable about this day is that India's recognition of Bangladesh came ten days before Bangladesh actually got liberated," said High Commissioner Verma.

He said this date is a milestone in the history of the two countries that cannot be erased.

This date marks the beginning of a relationship based on empathy and trust that has sustained, despite changes, and occasional challenges and ups and downs, he said.

"This day showcases the pride with which people of India stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the courageous brothers and sisters of Bangladesh in their struggle for freedom," said High Commissioner Verma.

And finally, he said, this day is a poignant reminder of the blood shed by the Bir Muktijoddhas, and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with them, by their soldiers, for the Liberation of this great country and its great people. "Today, therefore, is a day, for remembrance and gratitude."

Occasions like today’s are profound because they give them an opportunity to reflect on what we have achieved together, said the High Commissioner. 

"But these are also the moments when we look forward, rising above distractions, to see new horizons, to which we can take our partnership," he said.

Both Bangladesh and India have come a long way since 1971, said High Commissioner Verma. 

"We are today two fast-growing economies. Our continuous progress and rising aspirations for a better future are creating new opportunities for our cooperation," he said.

Today, the High Commissioner said, bilateral relationship is multifaceted and complementing each other’s national development. 

"Our cooperation is based on the conviction that our progress and prosperity are interlinked," he said.

"As a neighbour towards whom we take a long-term view of our relations, we always seek a stable, positive, constructive, forward looking and mutually beneficial relationship with Bangladesh based on equality, mutual sensitivity, and mutual respect and understanding," he said.

High Commissioner Verma said they also believe that their people, in both countries, are the main stakeholders of this relationship. 

And therefore, he said, they are building a partnership that must first and foremost benefit the people of our two countries. 

"Whether it is cross-border transport or power or energy connectivity, or trade and economic links, they are meant for the shared prosperity of our people and their well-being," said the Indian envoy.

"Today our societies and economies are closely linked, so closely that we are interdependent on each other. We cannot grow and progress alone," he added.

The High Commissioner said they want to reinforce these interdependencies that can bind them ever closer in a positive and mutually rewarding manner. 

"We want to transform our geographical proximity into new opportunities driven by our growing capabilities and new ambitions," he said. 

"Maitri Divas is a reminder of how much our two countries are connected by a shared history, geography, language, culture and above all shared empathy and shared sacrifices," said the High Commissioner. 

This day is a reminder of how the depth of this connection between the two countries is a part of the day-to-day lives of the people on both sides of the border, he said.

"And, for that reason, Maitri Diwas is an affirmation that the bonds we share with Bangladesh are not transient; they are indeed everlasting," he said.

The celebration featured a soulful cultural programme performed by artistes from Bangladesh showcasing the shared cultural links and artistic richness of both countries.

The performances included theatre and dance choreography and musical band.

The first performance titled "71 in Silence" was a disability-inclusive theatre performance by Sundaram Productions, directed by Ramesh Mayappan.

This thought-provoking performance portrayed the story of the birth of Bangladesh through physical storytelling techniques, depicting the war's beginning and its consequences.

This was followed by a dance performance by Srishti Cultural Center directed by famed dance choreographer of Bangladesh, Anisul Islam Hero, showcasing the vibrant cultural heritage of Bangladesh and the historical friendship between India and Bangladesh.

The event concluded with captivating performances by Shironamhin Band, a popular Bangladeshi rock band established in Dhaka in the late 1990s, known for its scintillating and energetic repertoire of music.