Dhaka, April 9 (NationPress) India's High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Pranay Verma, recently met with Brigadier General (Retd) AKM Shamsul Islam, the Defence Advisor to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, emphasizing the significance of continuous growth in bilateral relations.

In their discussion, both officials assessed the current state of security and defence collaboration between India and Bangladesh. This included a review of various mechanisms for bilateral consultations, training exchanges, initiatives for capacity building, and interactions between the defence institutions of both nations, while exploring further avenues to enhance their defence partnership.

According to the Indian High Commission in Bangladesh, High Commissioner Pranay Verma met with H.E. Brig. Gen. (Retd.) Dr. A.K.M Shamsul Islam on April 8, 2026. They acknowledged the critical nature of ongoing development in India-Bangladesh ties, reaffirming the strong connection formed through shared sacrifices during the 1971 Liberation War. Their discussion encompassed a broad spectrum of security and defence cooperation, including mechanisms for bilateral consultations, training exchanges, and initiatives aimed at capacity enhancement.

Additionally, they deliberated on strategies to fortify their defence connections as a pivotal element of their overall bilateral relationship. They also shared insights on mutual security challenges, committing to collaborate in fostering peace, security, and regional stability. The High Commissioner expressed India's readiness to work closely with the Government of Bangladesh to bolster their comprehensive cooperation based on mutual interests and benefits.

In a related development, India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar convened a meeting with his Bangladeshi counterpart Khalilur Rahman and his delegation in New Delhi, where they also discussed strengthening bilateral relations and addressing both regional and global developments.

Jaishankar shared on X that he was pleased to host FM Khalilur Rahman and his delegation. They focused on enhancing their bilateral relationship across various dimensions and exchanged views on significant regional and global matters, agreeing to maintain close communication.

Khalilur Rahman arrived in New Delhi on a goodwill mission, which Dhaka highlighted as a vital foundation for advancing cooperative efforts between the two nations to more productive and sustainable levels in the future.

The visit is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first trip to India by a Bangladeshi minister since the BNP-led government took office in February, signaling a shift in the dynamics of India-Bangladesh relations that had been strained during the 18-month period of the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, amidst rising tensions involving Hindu minorities and anti-India sentiments.

On Monday, High Commissioner Pranay Verma also met with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to discuss avenues for furthering bilateral engagement and cooperation across essential sectors. During their conversation, Verma reiterated India’s commitment to enhancing relations through a positive, constructive, and forward-looking approach grounded in shared interests and mutual advantages.