Dhaka, Delhi seek to overcome challenges in bilateral ties

Recognising the challenges the two neighbouring countries are facing in terms of bilateral relations, Bangladesh and India have underscored the need for working together to address those.

This was discussed during a meeting between Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain and Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on the sidelines of the 8th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) in Muscat, Oman on Sunday.

"Both sides recognised the challenges the two neighbours are facing in terms of bilateral relations and discussed the necessity to work together to address those," reads a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the meeting, the foreign affairs adviser also emphasised the importance of initiating the discussion for renewal of the Ganges Water Treaty.

He highlighted the importance of holding the meeting of the SAARC Standing Committee and requested consideration of the government of India in this regard.

The two sides discussed various issues of mutual concerns and interests.

Recalling their last meeting held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly session in September 2024, Touhid Hossain and Jaishankar noted that since then the two countries have participated in various bilateral engagements with the foreign secretary-level Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) held in Dhaka on 9 December 2024 while Energy Adviser of Bangladesh participating in the India Energy Week events in New Delhi on 10-11 February 2025 among others.

Both sides also noted that a meeting at the director general-level of Border Guard Bangladesh and Indian Border Security Forces is being held in New Delhi on 18-20 February.

They hoped that various border-related issues will be discussed and resolved at the meeting.

Meanwhile, Touhid Hossain is attending the two-day IOC beginning in Muscat on Sunday under the auspices of the government of the Sultanate of Oman in association with the Indian government and India Foundation.

The theme of the 8th IOC is "Voyage of New Horizons of Maritime Partnership".

The adviser spoke at one of the plenary sessions on 'Strengthening Maritime Supply Chains' when he laid emphasis on facilitating maritime connectivity and reducing trade barriers to ensure a brighter, more prosperous future for all nations of the Indian Ocean and beyond.

"We need to facilitate maritime connectivity, reduce the trade barriers," he said, adding that Bangladesh attaches strong importance to maritime cooperation for facilitating the efficient movement of goods, services and people, for advancing food security, energy security, water cooperation, disaster risk reduction and providing fair access to global public goods.

Bangladesh advocates for "shared prosperity" through "shared responsibility," the adviser said.

He said it is essential for the countries in the Indian Ocean region to explore opportunities for mutual collaboration across all possible areas to ensure a resilient and improved shared future. "We (Bangladesh) are committed to strengthening our partnerships across the Indian Ocean, addressing emerging challenges, and embracing the tremendous opportunities this region offers," he said.

Among others, Touhid Hossain also called for easing visas and other administrative processes for the seafarers, ensuring facilities for them, as their roles are crucial in maintaining the maritime supply chain.

Ministerial delegations from over 30 countries and several regional organisations, including SAARC, BIMSTEC and IORA, are attending the meeting, which will end Monday.

On the sidelines of the 8th IOC, the foreign affairs adviser also had meetings with the Second Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brunei, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tanzania and discussed various issues of mutual interests.

He is also scheduled to meet the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Oman on Monday .