Dhaka: India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Mr Dinesh Trivedi, described his first meeting with Prime Minister Mr Tarique Rahman as “fruitful”, emphasising that India and Bangladesh not only share a border but also “share dreams”.

Mr Trivedi held separate meetings with Mr Rahman and Home Minister Mr Salahuddin Ahmed, with discussions covering ways to strengthen bilateral relations across several sectors.

Following his meeting with the Prime Minister, the Indian High Commission said India was ready to work with the Bangladeshi Government and people in a “positive, constructive and forward-looking manner”. The discussions focused on matters of mutual interest and avenues for strengthening bilateral ties through a people-centric approach.

Mr Trivedi said India was looking forward to a meeting between Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi and Mr Rahman, expressing confidence that direct engagement between the two leaders could help address outstanding issues. He described his meeting with the Bangladeshi Prime Minister as an interaction between two public representatives rather than a formal diplomatic engagement.

India has invited Mr Rahman to attend the outreach session of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi in September, in his capacity as current Chair of BIMSTEC.

Mr Trivedi also discussed security cooperation with Mr Ahmed, conveying India’s willingness to strengthen people-centric engagement across areas based on mutual interest, mutual benefit and mutual sensitivities.