Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma today said India seeks a stable, positive, constructive, forward-looking and mutually beneficial relationship with Bangladesh based on equality and mutual respect where people of the two countries are the main stakeholders.
He made the comment at a celebration marking the 54th anniversary of the Maitri Diwas-2025 at the Indian Cultural Centre in Dhaka today.
Verma expressed confidence that both sides will work together to fulfil the aspirations of the people and forge closer ties, inspired by the shared sacrifices of the past and guided by the new aspirations for the future.
Bangladesh-India relations have remained strained since the ouster of Awami League regime, with analysts saying that it would normalise after an elected government is formed.
In a statement, the Indian High Commission said Maitri Diwas commemorates the day in 1971 when India recognised Bangladesh as a sovereign and independent state, ten days before Bangladesh's actual liberation.
Verma described the day as a milestone in the history of India and Bangladesh that cannot be erased.
The celebration featured a cultural programme performed by artistes from Bangladesh showcasing the shared cultural links and artistic richness of both countries.
Freedom fighters, cultural activists, youth and eminent personalities from across Bangladesh attended the event.