TDS Desk:

India wants to build a positive, constructive and forward-looking relationship with Bangladesh and is ready to discuss bilateral issues through the existing institutional frameworks between the two countries, Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Tuesday.

Speaking at a briefing in New Delhi, Jaiswal said: “This is India’s stance. We wish to steer this relationship in a positive and constructive direction—one that is forward-looking.”

His remarks came after Bangladesh confirmed the appointment of Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam as its High Commissioner to India.

Asked whether the appointment signalled a normalisation of bilateral relations, particularly amid renewed discussions over a possible visit to India by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Jaiswal reiterated India’s position.

“We have always desired a positive, constructive and forward-looking relationship with Bangladesh. We are ready to discuss all bilateral issues within the established institutional frameworks between the two countries,” he said.

Asked whether relations were currently moving in a positive direction, a journalist referred to Bangladesh’s participation in the upcoming multilateral air exercise Tarang Shakti.

The Indian Air Force said earlier Tuesday that Bangladesh would participate in the exercise with C-130J transport aircraft.

Jaiswal again said India wants to develop bilateral ties in a positive, constructive and forward-looking direction.

Tarang Shakti, organised by the Indian Air Force, is scheduled to be held from September 26 to October 12 at Jodhpur Air Force Station and nearby airbases in Rajasthan.

Bangladesh will participate alongside the United States, France, Germany, Australia, Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates, while 32 other countries will attend as observers.

The first edition of Tarang Shakti was held in India in 2024, with Bangladesh participating as an observer.

Possible Tarique visit

Amid renewed discussions over a possible visit to India by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Jaiswal was asked whether Bangladesh had withdrawn the three conditions it had previously set for the visit.

Jaiswal declined to comment, saying he would share information later if there was anything to report.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is currently in New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly session. He is scheduled to meet Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the sidelines of the UNGA.

Asked whether Tarique Rahman could also meet Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Jaiswal said he had no information on the matter at present.