Visiting Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will make a brief statement for the media after his meeting with Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain Monday afternoon. There will be a separate briefing by Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at 5:30pm. Indian FS Vikram Misri arrives in Dhaka for bilateral talks amid tension Vikram Misri arrived here on Monday morning to hold a several meetings in Dhaka, including Foreign Office Consultations, which is seen as an opportunity to address mutual concerns. Ishrat Jahan, Director General (South Asia wing) received the Indian Foreign Secretary upon his arrival in Dhaka. Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma was also present.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Wednesday said Bangladesh wants good relations with India on a reciprocal basis, hinting that Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between the two countries might take place a day ahead instead of December 10.        “It is very clear that we want good relations but it should be reciprocal. We need to work to that end,” he told reporters while responding to a question at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Asked about the FOC, Hossain said it may take place one day ahead of the schedule, or it will be held on December 10 in Dhaka. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is likely to be in Dhaka on December 9 or 10 accordingly as both Bangladesh and India are preparing for the Foreign Secretary-level meeting. Once finalised, this is going to be the first visit to be paid by a senior Indian government official to Bangladesh since the interim government, led by Nobel laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus, came to power in August 8, a diplomatic source told UNB on Wednesday. Global problem-solving must rely on cooperation, not conflict: Prof Yunus However, there has been no official announcement yet regarding his visit to hold the Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) with Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin. The discussion is likely to cover a range of bilateral issues, including the potential extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in India and visa issues. At the Foreign Ministry's weekly briefing on November 21, Director General of the Public Diplomacy Wing Toufique Hasan confirmed that an inter-ministerial meeting has already taken place to coordinate preparations for the upcoming talks. India should recognise July uprising, democratic struggle: Mahfuj “There is a scope for discussion on the matter (extradition of Sheikh Hasina),” Hasan said at a weekly media briefing. Sheikh Hasina, who fled Dhaka on August 5 and has been residing in India since then, is facing trial in Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal for alleged involvement in mass killings during the July-August uprising. While the government intends to bring her back, Hasan emphasised that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not yet received any formal directive to initiate the extradition process. “We will engage with Delhi and begin the formal process in accordance with the existing extradition treaty once we receive the necessary instructions,” he clarified in response to queries. Regarding the review of existing agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) between the two countries, Hasan said that these fall under the jurisdiction of various ministries in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh has agreed to designate Indian Oil Corporation Limited as a Government to Government, or G2G, supplier of refined petroleum products, according to Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra. “So that is very much there on the cards. The discussions have been taking place between the relevant officials. The term sheet of those discussions and the decision - that is something which the officials will work out between them,” he told reporters at a media briefing in New Delhi yesterday night (September 6, 2022). Read:India has again assured Bangladesh of resolving Teesta issue: Shahriar Alam The two leaders – Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi - welcomed ongoing discussions on establishing cross border interconnections to help both India and Bangladesh meet their energy needs, Kwatra said. They also reviewed progress on the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline, a project that they are undertaking through grant, he said, adding that it will enable movement of high speed diesel from India to Northern Bangladesh. “In this context, we welcome the recent decision of Bangladesh to list Indian Oil Corporation Limited as a registered government to government supplier of refined petroleum products, which will of course, further help boost cooperation between our two countries in the energy sector,” said the Indian foreign secretary. Responding to a question on defence cooperation, he said, “I think the first contract under the defence Line of Credit  was signed earlier this week. I'm sure you have been following this closely. It was a modest amount but it was an important first step.” Read:India to remain reliable partner in dev journey of Bangladesh: President Murmu The Indian foreign secretary said it may be a defence LoC but it is also a part of the development partnership framework. “It also has a landing under security and strategic cooperation. Our effort is that this will open up a path for further engagement between the two countries in the field of defence and security and take our cooperation further,” he added. Kwatra said one of the main elements of discussions and one of the main lines of effort on both sides for further cooperation is to build a resilient supply chain of bilateral trade in goods - both perishable and non-perishable, or commodities, both food and non-food. “All those elements were part of these discussions.” He said the two sides laid emphasis on strengthening these supply chains further and ensuring that they remain uninterrupted to the extent possible.

Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla arrived here on Tuesday morning on a two-day visit as India officially announced its President’s state visit to Bangladesh from December 15-17. Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen received his Indian counterpart Shringla upon his arrival by a special aircraft. Apart from his meeting with Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen and Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, Shringla will meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during his visit. Though the Indian government is yet to announce the name of the chief guest for its Republic Day parade that falls on January 26, it could not be known whether Shringla is carrying any message or special invitation from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his Bangladesh counterpart. The Indian Foreign Secretary is scheduled to meet the Prime Minister on Wednesday.  He will also call on Road Transport and Bridges Minister Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader on Tuesday.  Also read: Dhaka-Delhi connectivity positively impacts Bangladesh, North East: Shringla India’s relationship with Bangladesh is one of the strongest pillars of its "Neighbourhood First Policy”, said the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  In this special year, Bangladesh and India are jointly commemorating 50 years of the establishment of their diplomatic ties. The Foreign Secretary’s visit to Bangladesh, a day after the Maitri Diwas celebrations, will provide an opportunity to review the wide-ranging cooperation between the two countries, MEA said. The visit will also help prepare for the State visit of President of India Ram Nath Kovind to Bangladesh from December 15 to 17. Earlier, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had paid a State visit to Bangladesh from March 26 to 27, 2021 to join the celebrations of the Golden Jubilee of the independence of Bangladesh, the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and 50 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh. During his visit here, Prime Minister Modi extended an invitation to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to visit India in 2022 in commemoration of the Golden Jubilee of the establishment of diplomatic relations. On Monday in New Delhi, the Indian Foreign Secretary said India will cooperate increasingly with Bangladesh, noting that the next 50 years of two countries' shared journey will bring even greater satisfaction for both sides. Loosely translated, he said, this Maitri Diwas means ‘Friendship Day" but ''Maitri" has a much deeper connotation. "It’s a relationship that has a depth, and has a significance beyond the ordinary. It’s a bond that has stood the test of time," Shringla said at a discussion "Maitri Diwas, 50th Anniversary of India-Bangladesh Diplomatic Relations" held in New Delhi. Also read: Bangladesh to get increased cooperation from India: Shringla Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) hosted the event. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sent a video message on the occasion. The upcoming state visit of Indian President Ram Nath Kovind to Bangladesh on this historic occasion is a reflection of the high priority that both countries attach to the bilateral relationship, says the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). “It also reaffirms the shared desire of both countries to further consolidate and strengthen the multifaceted and irreversible partnership, based on historical and cultural ties, mutual trust and understanding,” the MEA said in a statement officially announcing the state visit of Indian the President to Bangladesh on December 15-17. At the invitation of President Abdul Hamid, the President of India will pay the state visit to attend the 50th Victory Day celebrations of Bangladesh. During the visit, the President will hold a delegation-level meeting with President Hamid. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will also have a meeting with the President. Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen will also call on him. “Bangladesh is a major pillar of India’s Neighbourhood First Policy,” said the MEA. It said Bangladesh and India share progressive, comprehensive and substantial cooperation in diverse areas ranging from security, border management, defence, water resources, trade, transport, connectivity, health, culture, people-to-people ties, energy, power to development partnership and sub-regional cooperation. Both countries have closely cooperated in addressing challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla is likely to arrive in Dhaka on December 7 on a two-day visit. A formal announcement is expected to come anytime soon, said a diplomatic source on Thursday. The Indian Foreign Secretary will discuss various issues, including preparations for the upcoming visit of the Indian President to Bangladesh. Indian President Ram Nath Kovind is scheduled arrive on December 15 and will attend the Victory Day celebrations here on December 16 apart from his other key engagements. President Kovind will be visiting Bangladesh at the invitation of his Bangladesh counterpart Abdul Hamid. Read: Indian FS likely to visit Dhaka Tuesday to boost ties Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen confirmed the Indian President’s visit to Bangladesh. Bangladesh is also expecting a high-level participation from Bhutan. This will be the first visit by the 14th President of India to Bangladesh. He was sworn in as President on July 25, 2017. Bangladesh is celebrating the Golden Jubilee of its Independence and the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The two countries also decided to commemorate December 6 as ‘Maitri Diwas’ (Friendship Day), the day when India recognized Bangladesh in 1971. On March 26 to 27, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a state visit to Bangladesh to join the celebrations of the Golden Jubilee of the Independence of Bangladesh, the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and 50 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh. Read: Fakhrul 'cancelled' scheduled meeting with Indian FS The visit symbolized the partnership of half a century between Bangladesh and India that has strengthened, matured and evolved as a model for bilateral relations for the entire region as both sides recognized. Ten days before the liberation of Bangladesh, India had recognised Bangladesh on 6 December 1971. India was one of the first countries to establish bilateral diplomatic ties with Bangladesh. The ‘Maitri Diwas’ is being commemorated in 18 countries around the world apart from in Dhaka and Delhi. These countries are Belgium, Canada, Egypt, Indonesia, Russia, Qatar, Singapore, UK, Australia, France, Japan, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Switzerland, Thailand, the UAE and the USA. The holding of ‘Maitri Diwas’ is a reflection of the deep and abiding friendship between the peoples of India and Bangladesh that has been forged in blood and shared sacrifices, said the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.

Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar met Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud in New Delhi on Tuesday and discussed various issues of mutual interest. They noted the steady progress in bilateral relations across all domains, and also discussed the media and public perceptions in that regard.

Bangladesh and India have agreed to accelerate the momentum that exists between the countries with an eye on the next 50 years of cooperation in diversified areas. Emphasis was also put on enhanced connectivity, not just between Bangladesh and India but beyond the two countries to ensure broader economic benefits. “We not only need to continue the momentum, we need to accelerate the momentum,” Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said sharing the outcome of talks between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on Saturday evening. Modi had a “productive meeting” with Hasina and reviewed the full range of Bangladesh-India relations and discussed ways to deepen economic and cultural linkages in the times to come. He said Prime Minister Hasina raised the Teesta issue while the Indian Prime Minister reiterated India's commitment to that end, sharing India’s sincere and continued efforts to conclude the agreement. Also read: Hasina seeks fair share of Teesta water The Indian Foreign Secretary said cooperation in the areas of common rivers water is an important issue.

Expressing happiness that his first foreign tour after the onset of Covid-19 would be to Bangladesh, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday said that New Delhi is committed to deepening and diversifying its ties with Dhaka. "Our partnership with Bangladesh is an important pillar of our Neighbourhood First policy, and we are committed to further deepen and diversify it," Modi tweeted on the eve of his two-day state visit to Dhaka. "We will continue to support Bangladesh's remarkable development journey, under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's dynamic leadership," the Indian PM stressed. Modi will visit Bangladesh on March 26-27 to attend the golden jubilee celebrations of the country's independence and the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The Indian PM is also slated to visit Bangabandhu's birthplace. Also read: Modi lauds Bangladesh’s remarkable growth under Hasina's leadership  "I am happy that my first foreign visit after the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic will be to our friendly neighbouring country, with which India shares deep cultural, linguistic and people-to-people ties," Modi said in a pre-departure statement released by the Indian government. "I will be having substantive discussions with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, following our very productive virtual meeting in December last year. I also look forward to my meeting with His Excellency President Abdul Hamid, and to interactions with other Bangladeshi dignitaries," he said. Describing Bangabandhu as one of the tallest leaders of the last century, the Indian PM said, "I look forward to my participation at the National Day celebrations tomorrow, which will also commemorate the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman." "Bangabandhu was one of the tallest leaders of the last century, whose life and ideals continue to inspire millions. I look forward to visiting Bangabandhu’s Samadhi in Tungipara to pay my respects to his memory," he added. Also read: Delhi to bolster defence ties with Dhaka during Modi's visit Indian Foreign Ministry Wednesday said that Delhi and Dhaka will strengthen bilateral defence and security ties and "are also likely to ink a number of pacts during Prime Minister Modi's visit". “Both sides will be signing a range of agreements during Modi's visit. These agreements will be covering a number of areas of our cooperation -- disaster management, oceanography and trade," Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla told the media Wednesday. "A number of new announcements -- bolstering cooperation in areas ranging from health, railway connectivity, border development and start-ups -- are also expected to be made," he had said. Talks on bolstering defence and security cooperation between the two countries are also on the agenda of Modi's meeting with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, according to the top Indian diplomat.  Also read: Modi to bring 12 lakh more vaccine doses as gift for Bangladesh "Security and defence is an important part of our cooperation with Bangladesh. We have in recent years signed an agreement on defence cooperation with Bangladesh and undertaken joint military, training and capacity building exercises on a regular basis," Shringla had said. India and Bangladesh share a 4,096-kilometre-long international border, the fifth-longest land border in the world. Both countries also share historical, civilisation and cultural ties.

India and Bangladesh will strengthen bilateral defence and security ties and are also likely to ink a number of pacts during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day state visit to Dhaka, the Foreign Ministry said Wednesday. Modi will visit Bangladesh on March 26-27 to attend the golden jubilee celebrations of the country's independence and the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The Indian PM is also slated to visit Gopalganj’s Tungipara area, Bangabandhu's birthplace. “Both sides will be signing a range of agreements during Modi's visit. These agreements will be covering a number of areas of our cooperation -- disaster management, oceanography and trade," Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla told the media in New Delhi. Also read: Modi due Friday as main attraction of 10-Day celebration "A number of new announcements -- bolstering cooperation in areas ranging from health, railway connectivity, border development and start-ups -- are also expected to be made," he added. Talks on bolstering defence and security cooperation between the two countries are also on the agenda of Modi's meeting with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, according to the top Indian diplomat. Also read: Bangabandhu's vision lights Dhaka-Delhi friendship: Modi "Security and defence is an important part of our cooperation with Bangladesh. We have in recent years signed an agreement on defence cooperation with Bangladesh and undertaken joint military, training and capacity building exercises on a regular basis," Shringla said. "It is a regular practice for chiefs of our armed forces to visit Bangladesh. We have excellent defence cooperation between our countries. As we go along, we will continue to add more and more depth and momentum to that relationship,” the Indian Foreign Secretary added. Also read: Modi's visit to highlight priority attached to Bangladesh: South Block On bilateral relations, Shringla said, "Ties between the two countries have no parallel. Indian soldiers had fought and were killed alongside Bangladeshis for independence." India and Bangladesh share a 4,096-kilometre-long international border, the fifth-longest land border in the world. Both countries also share historical, civilisation and cultural ties.

Bangladesh reiterated the importance it attaches to signing of the Teesta water sharing agreement with India and sought increased cooperation between two Border Forces with a view to bringing down border killings to zero, during the Foreign Secretary-level talks between the two countries on Friday.