India's High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, on Thursday, 30 July expressed confidence that bilateral relations between the two countries would advance constructively once Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman makes an official visit to India. Speaking to reporters in Dhaka after separate meetings with Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, Trivedi described the discussions as positive and forward-looking.

What the Indian Envoy Said

'I am looking forward to everything positively. We had a great meeting filled with immense positivity,' Trivedi was quoted as saying by Bangladeshi media outlet UNB. On the question of an invitation extended to Prime Minister Rahman to visit India, Trivedi made clear that the decision rests with the Bangladeshi side, while affirming India's readiness to receive him.

'From our end, I can assure you that we are looking forward to welcoming the Prime Minister of Bangladesh to India. We are very hopeful that this visit will take place in the near future,' he said.

BRICS Summit Invitation and Earlier Outreach

The remarks follow India's invitation to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to attend the 18th BRICS Summit, scheduled to be held in New Delhi in September. Rahman had also received an invitation to visit India at the time of his swearing-in ceremony in February. Both invitations remain open, according to the envoy's remarks.

Teesta and Ganges Water Treaties

When asked about the long-pending Teesta and Ganges Water Treaties, Trivedi adopted a measured tone, describing Thursday's meetings as primarily courtesy calls while underlining that no bilateral issue is beyond resolution. 'There is no issue that cannot be sorted out through mutual understanding. Ultimately, at the end of the day, it is about people,' he said.

Trivedi noted that both countries have active working groups tasked with advancing treaty renewal discussions. 'These working groups will certainly meet and deliberate. As I mentioned, there is no problem that cannot be resolved. The working groups will actively do their part, and once the Prime Minister visits India, things will move forward constructively,' he said.

Deep Historical and Cultural Ties

The High Commissioner emphasised the depth of the India-Bangladesh relationship, drawing on shared history, culture, and even cricket. 'This relationship is truly historical. We share not only our borders, but also our history, culture, and aspirations,' he said. He added that the meetings were held in an 'exceptionally warm environment' and described the engagement as a 'very positive step forward.'

'I am looking forward to a relationship whose very foundation rests on mutual, people-to-people benefits for both nations. This is just the beginning, and I am confident we will continue to engage more deeply with each other moving forward,' Trivedi added. With a BRICS invitation on the table and working groups in motion, the trajectory of India-Bangladesh ties now hinges significantly on whether Prime Minister Rahman accepts New Delhi's outreach in the weeks ahead.