India is prepared to engage in discussions on all matters with Bangladesh in a "conducive environment," stated Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs.
Jaiswal made the remarks on Friday during his regular press briefing, responding to a question regarding the renewal of the Ganga Water Sharing Treaty. He emphasized that established diplomatic mechanisms exist between Dhaka and New Delhi to address all aspects of their bilateral relationship.
His comments come as the Indian Parliament's Standing Committee on External Affairs has invited four experts to discuss "The Future of India-Bangladesh Relations." According to The Hindu, citing a source, these experts include former National Security Advisor Shiv Shankar Menon, retired Lieutenant General Ataul Hakim Hasnain, former Indian High Commissioner to Dhaka Riva Ganguly Das, and Jawaharlal Nehru University Professor Amitabh Mattoo.
When questioned about trade with Bangladesh, Jaiswal noted that India has implemented a revised trade arrangement based on principles of justice, equal status, and mutual needs from Bangladesh's side. India is awaiting the resolution of long-pending issues from Bangladesh, which have been constructively discussed in numerous meetings, including at the secretary level.
Jaiswal reiterated, "We are prepared to discuss all issues with Bangladesh if it is in a mutually beneficial and conducive environment." He made this statement in response to a query about the renewal of the 1996 Ganga Water Sharing Treaty.
India Monitoring Regional Developments Amidst Bangladesh-China-Pakistan Meeting
When asked about a trilateral meeting held on June 19 between the foreign secretaries of Bangladesh, Pakistan, and China on the sidelines of the '9th China-South Asian Exposition and the 6th China-South Asia Cooperation' in Kunming, China, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson stated, "We always monitor developments in the surrounding region, as they are related to our interests and security. Our relationship with each country stands on a separate foundation."
The Hindu reported that according to the preliminary background paper for the Indian parliamentary committee's special discussion on Bangladesh, the experts are expected to provide their opinions on topics such as the political situation in Bangladesh under an interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the rise of religious extremism, security threats to India from instability in Bangladesh, and India's concerns regarding the "strategic affinity" between Bangladesh and China following the fall of Sheikh Hasina in August 2024.
