India wants a constructive and forward-looking relationship with Bangladesh, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal has said.
He made the remarks during a regular briefing today, as bilateral ties remain strained following the ouster of the Awami League government in 2024.
When asked if Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will visit India anytime soon or attend the BRICS summit scheduled for September 12-13, Jaiswal said he will share an update when one is available.
“As previously stated, a cordial invitation has been extended to him to visit India, and I will share any developments as they occur,” he said.
When asked about the extradition of ousted Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina, Jaiswal said India’s position is that such requests are examined as part of their established processes.
He did not elaborate further on the issue.
Replying to a question on whether India had taken any decision on Bangladesh’s request for an additional 8,000 litres of fuel, Jaiswal said the matter was under consideration, taking into account India’s domestic requirements, refining capacity and availability.
Asked whether Dhaka had requested New Delhi to resume any pending infrastructure projects, the MEA spokesperson said India wanted a positive, constructive and forward-looking relationship with Bangladesh, including in development cooperation, based on mutual interests and reciprocity.
Asked whether Dhaka had formally sought fresh talks on the Teesta water-sharing agreement and about India’s position on Chinese involvement in the river management project, Jaiswal said all water-related cooperation and discussions were handled through the bilateral Joint Rivers Commission and other structured dialogue mechanisms.