Among neighboring nations, Bangladesh has been declared at the forefront of India’s priority list, as stated by the Indian High Commissioner to Dhaka, Pranay Verma. Speaking at the discussion titled “Meet the Society” on Martyred Intellectuals Day in Dhaka on Thursday, December 14, 2023, he emphasized this point as the chief guest. The event was organized by ‘Sampriti Bangladesh’.
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Pranay Verma stated, “It is India’s policy to extend assistance and prioritize neighboring nations. Bangladesh holds the top position in India’s priority list among neighboring countries. India is committed to supporting Bangladesh in its development efforts.”
Partners in Progress and Prosperity
Sharing a close bond of cooperation, the Indian High Commissioner emphasized, “India and Bangladesh have teamed up for quite a while now to create a bright future through working together. The progress we’ve witnessed in both our nations has been truly impressive. The leaders from both sides are wholeheartedly dedicated to pushing forward the journey of development between India and Bangladesh.”
Pranay Verma further remarked, “Bangladesh is the most trusted partner of India. With a long journey of friendship and brotherhood, Bangladesh and India have established themselves as leading economies in the world today. Bangladesh has achieved recognition and development globally.”
The Indian High Commissioner stated, “India and Bangladesh have collaborated globally on issues such as pandemics, terrorism, and climate change. Through national development, we aim to establish strong ties between the economies, societies, and people of the two countries.”
At this moment, he expressed, “On Martyred Intellectuals Day, a day of mourning, we pay our respects to them. The sacrifice of the martyred intellectuals has not been in vain; since gaining independence, Bangladesh has been progressing. The indomitable spirit of sacrifice for the independence of Bangladesh 52 years ago will remain immortal.”
Bangladesh Tops India’s Priority List – Verma
This is not the first time Pranay Verma is saying about Bangladesh-India ties. When he met the PM Sheikh Hasina as the Newly appointed Indian High Commissioner on November 30 last year, he said Bangladesh always gets highest priority from his country as it has a policy for its neighbouring countries.
“India maintains a specific policy for its neighboring nations, with Bangladesh holding the highest priority in this regard. This prioritization remains consistent under all circumstances,” he expressed. Referring to Bangladesh as a “very good friend” of India, the envoy highlighted the joint commitment of both countries to combat terrorism in the region. Verma acknowledged the significant increase in trade and connectivity between Bangladesh and India in recent times.
The meeting between Sheikh Hasina and Verma included discussions on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to facilitate economic relations between the two neighboring countries. Verma affirmed India’s commitment to cooperation with Bangladesh in the power and energy sector.
Expressing admiration for Bangladesh’s socio-economic development under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Verma emphasized the dedicated efforts of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, stating that he devoted his entire life to the people of the country. In alignment with Bangabandhu’s dedication, Sheikh Hasina conveyed her personal commitment to devoting her life to the well-being of her countrymen.
Indian Diplomats and Politicians Affirm Strong Relations with Bangladesh
It has become a common sight to witness Indian diplomats and politicians expressing admiration for the collaboration between Bangladesh and India. Last year, Indian Commerce Minister and Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha, Piyush Goyal, conveyed a “firm optimism” for political stability and progress in Bangladesh during a meeting with Bangladesh’s delegates in India last year.
Expressing unwavering support for Bangladesh’s concerns, he emphasized that India consistently addresses issues under the current regime with special consideration. Goyal affirmed India’s steadfast and forthcoming approach in maintaining excellent relations with Bangladesh.
Furthermore, he made a resolute commitment that the Indian government is actively contemplating the removal of all restrictions on essential commodities to enhance the business and commerce of both countries. Additionally, the Indian government is prioritizing the import of essential items from Bangladesh.
In 2021, former Indian President Ram Nath Kovind echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing India’s unwavering commitment to its friendship with Bangladesh. He reiterated India’s dedication to realizing the full potential of this friendship. Kovind highlighted the historical foundation of India-Bangladesh friendship, forged during the people’s war that liberated Bangladesh.
Reflecting on the 1971 war of independence, he stated that the ideological map of South Asia changed irreversibly, giving birth to the proud nation of Bangladesh. Kovind, like millions of Indians of his generation, shared the elation over Bangladesh’s victory against an oppressive regime and expressed deep inspiration by the faith and courage of the Bangladeshi people.
How the flow changed?
After the tumultuous era of the BNP-Jamaat alliance, a transformative shift began when the Awami League (AL), led by Sheikh Hasina, assumed power in January 2009, securing a resounding victory. Sheikh Hasina’s government, since then, has staunchly battled terrorism and extremism, successfully dismantling hideouts and training camps of anti-India insurgency groups in Bangladesh. Recognizing her government’s effective role, policymakers in New Delhi were gratified to witness Sheikh Hasina’s commitment to ensuring regional peace and jointly combating common adversaries.
In the ensuing bilateral dynamics, besides sociocultural and inherent similarities, geographical proximity emerged as a pivotal factor, providing a robust impetus and strengthening cooperation over the years. Over the past decade, economic, political, and geostrategic ties between the two nations have ascended to new heights, propelled by diverse initiatives from both Bangladesh and India.
Among these initiatives, the Neighborhood First Policy (NFP) stands out as the cornerstone of the Narendra Modi government’s strategy, emphasizing the enhancement of ties with close neighbors, with Bangladesh occupying a central position. During his visit to Bangladesh in April 2022, S. Jaishankar, India’s Minister of External Affairs, emphasized that “Bangladesh is a top priority for India’s Neighborhood First Policy.” According to Indian President Droupadi Murmu, “Bangladesh holds a special place in India’s Neighborhood First Policy.”
A renewed momentum has been observed between the two nations after India assumed the G20 presidency last year and extended an invitation to Bangladesh for participation. Notably, among the non-member nations and international organizations invited, Bangladesh is the sole South Asian country on India’s invitation list for the G20 summit in 2023. The evolving relationship between the Awami League, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and the BJP government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has proven mutually beneficial.
