Bangladesh and India are increasingly aware of the challenges facing their bilateral relations and the necessity to work collaboratively to overcome these obstacles. This recognition was highlighted during a meeting between Bangladesh’s foreign adviser, Md Touhid Hossain, and India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, at the 8th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) held in Muscat, Oman.
In the discussions, the two officials addressed various bilateral issues of mutual concern and interest. A key point raised by Touhid Hossain was the urgent need to initiate discussions for the renewal of the Ganges Water Treaty. This treaty is crucial for managing the shared water resources between the two nations, and its renewal is seen as vital for enhancing cooperation in water management and sustainable development.
Moreover, Hossain emphasized the importance of convening a meeting of the SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) Standing Committee, urging the Indian government to consider this request favorably. The SAARC platform holds significant potential for fostering regional collaboration among South Asian nations, and reviving it could serve to strengthen relations among member countries, including Bangladesh and India.
The meeting also reflected upon the outcomes from their previous discussion at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in September 2024, where both sides had engaged in dialogues aimed at reinforcing their diplomatic ties. Since then, the two countries have continued their bilateral engagements, including the Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) held in Dhaka on 9 December 2024, where foreign secretaries from both nations participated. These consultations are an important aspect of their diplomatic relations, providing a forum for discussing a wide array of issues and strengthening bilateral commitments.
Overall, the dialogue between Bangladesh and India at the IOC underscores a mutual recognition of the need for proactive engagement to resolve existing challenges and enhance cooperation in various spheres, including water management, regional cooperation, and diplomacy. The discussions indicate a commitment to fostering a stable and productive relationship that addresses both countries’ interests and regional dynamics.
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