Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Pranay Verma, said that the relationship between India and Bangladesh is not limited to a single issue or agenda but is multi-faceted and expanding.

He at this time emphasized that both countries are now more interdependent than ever before.

Speaking at the Bay of Bengal Conversation 2024 conference at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka on Sunday (Nov 16), Verma highlighted the constructive nature of the bilateral ties between the two nations.

He said, "We are mutually dependent on each other, and India views its relationship with Bangladesh from a long-term perspective. We believe that the peace, security, progress, and prosperity of both nations are interconnected."

The ambassador underscored the importance of trade, transportation, energy connections, and people-to-people exchanges as reflections of the growing multi-dimensional ties between the two countries.

He said that regardless of political changes, the mutual dependence and the reality of bilateral benefits would continue to define their relationship.

The High Commissioner mentioned specific examples of continued progress in bilateral exchanges, such as the commencement of the 40 MW electricity transmissions from Nepal to Bangladesh through the Indian grid and the infrastructure expansion at the Petrapole-Benapole integrated checkpoint.

Verma described India-Bangladesh cooperation as an anchor in regional integration plans under frameworks like BIMSTEC.

He also highlighted Bangladesh’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism, which has deepened the bilateral relationship and will continue to do so in the future.

The High Commissioner pledged to work together with the government and people of Bangladesh to fulfill the shared aspirations for peace, security, and development, ensuring mutual benefits through partnership.

The Bay of Bengal Conversation was inaugurated on Saturday by the Chief Adviser of the interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus. Over 200 speakers, 300 delegates, and 800 participants from more than 80 countries attended this year’s conference.