Parliamentary exchanges key to strengthening Bangladesh-India ties: Pranay Verma

India’s outgoing high commissioner to Bangladesh, Pranay Verma, has said parliamentary exchanges can play a key role in strengthening ties between the two neighbouring countries.

“Parliamentary Friendship Group can play an important role in bridging Bangladesh and India, while bilateral visits by parliamentary delegations can further advance diplomatic relations,” Verma said during a meeting with Bangladesh Parliament Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad in Dhaka today (13 April).

“Strong bilateral relations between Bangladesh and India were forged during the 1971 Liberation War, when the Indian government extended full support to Bangladesh,” said Hafiz during the meeting.

“India is Bangladesh’s closest neighbour,” he said, adding that India’s support in nominating Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman as president of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly reflects a cooperative and generous approach.

The speaker also described the current parliament as vibrant, noting that the opposition is playing an active role.

He emphasised the need to identify areas of cooperation to strengthen parliamentary relations further.

Both sides emphasised the importance of constructive discussions to enhance Bangladesh-India relations, economic cooperation, connectivity, and people-to-people contact.

At the meeting, the Indian high commissioner congratulated the speaker on assuming office and presented a commemorative gift on behalf of the government of India.