India desires positive, constructive & mutually beneficial relationship with Bangladesh: Indian Foreign Secretary

India desires a positive, constructive, and mutually beneficial relationship with Bangladesh, said Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri following the Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) held between the two countries in Dhaka yesterday. Misri held talks with his Bangladesh counterpart Md. Jashim Uddin in Dhaka afternoon, including delegation-level discussions between the two neighboring countries.

India has raised concerns, including those related to the safety and welfare of minorities in Bangladesh, said the foreign secretary during a media briefing at Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka. Misri said both countries had the opportunity to discuss certain recent developments and issues in Bangladesh and he conveyed concerns, including those related to the safety and welfare of minorities. Both also discussed some regrettable



incidents of attacks on cultural, religious and diplomatic properties.

Mr Misri also underlined India’s desire to work closely with the interim government of Bangladesh. The foreign secretary said they were now looking for a forward-moving relationship.

The foreign secretary arrived in Dhaka earlier in the day on an Indian Air Force (IAF) jet for a day’s visit. Soon after his arrival, he met Jashim Uddin, his counterpart in Bangladesh, and held one-on-one talks before the formal meeting with delegates from both sides. He also called on Foreign Affairs Adviser of Bangladesh Md Touhid Hossain at the latter’s office.

This is the first high-level engagement between India and Bangladesh post political changeover in Bangladesh on August 5, this year.