India on Tuesday reiterated its desire to build positive, constructive and forward-looking relations with Bangladesh, with the relationship grounded in mutual interests and reciprocity.
Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal made the remarks while responding to questions from journalists at a regular briefing in New Delhi.
Asked about India’s position on Bangladesh and recent developments in bilateral relations, Jaiswal said there was no need to repeat the country’s previously stated position regarding a press conference held in Delhi by former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
On Bangladesh’s requests for extradition, the MEA spokesperson said India’s position remains unchanged.
He said such requests are being examined through India’s established legal and institutional processes.
Jaiswal was also asked about a possible visit to India by Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. He did not provide any specific timeline, saying that any development on the matter would be shared when available.
On Bangladesh’s request for additional diesel supplies from India, Jaiswal said the matter is being examined in light of India’s own requirements, refining capacity and fuel availability.
He also reiterated India’s broader interest in maintaining constructive engagement with Bangladesh.
“India desires positive, constructive and forward-looking relations with Bangladesh based on mutual interests and reciprocity,” he said.
Responding to questions about stalled Indian development projects in Bangladesh, Jaiswal again stressed the importance India attaches to maintaining a positive and constructive bilateral relationship.
On the Teesta water-sharing issue and Bangladesh’s interest in discussions on the matter, he said issues concerning common rivers are dealt with through established bilateral mechanisms.
He referred to the Joint Rivers Commission and other relevant technical mechanisms through which the two countries address water-sharing issues.
Jaiswal also said India views terrorism and security as common concerns and supports joint efforts to address such threats.
The latest comments come amid efforts by Dhaka and New Delhi to recalibrate bilateral ties and strengthen engagement on issues of mutual interest.