Zakir Hossain From Dhaka
Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi on Wednesday stressed the need for proper preparations before a meeting between Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying there was no benefit in rushing the proposed summit.
“We have to make sure that proper preparations are made because many issues will have to be discussed, trade, commerce, water… many issues. We are very positive about the future,” Trivedi told reporters after a courtesy meeting with Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan.
He said both prime ministers should be given a mutually convenient time. “As far as the prime minister’s visit is concerned, the atmosphere is absolutely positive,” he said, adding that no discussion had taken place on the timing or month, though the visit would “definitely” happen.
Trivedi said challenges in bilateral ties could be addressed if the two leaders met. “See, challenges will be there. If we think there are no challenges, that would be wrong.”
Meanwhile, India’s External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Tuesday that all issues relating to shared rivers, including the Ganga Water Treaty, would be discussed through the India-Bangladesh Joint Rivers Commission.
“To also let you know that, at the technical level, meetings on the Ganga Water Treaty have continued to happen,” Jaiswal told reporters in New Delhi.
Bangladesh State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir also said Dhaka and New Delhi could overcome existing challenges through dialogue and discussion.
“Of course, there are some challenges. We are hopeful that we can overcome these challenges through dialogue and discussion. And, of course, you know, at some point, with a conducive environment in place, a visit by the prime minister also… We had a very good discussion,” he said.
Kobir said the timing would be decided through mutual consultations. “So, we will do a visit when the environment is conducive, based on mutual respect,” he said, describing the talks as “very good, cordial and productive”.
Asked about speculation that November could be a possible timeframe, Kobir said: “There are many rumours, but I do not talk about rumours. I talk about reality, and the reality is that we had a very good meeting today.”
Trivedi had on Tuesday described Bangladesh-India relations as “absolutely positive”, saying Rahman’s India visit would take place at a mutually convenient time.
“I am telling you again. Our invitation is open. I don’t think there is a need for a hurry. Everything is very positive. But we must give due time,” he said.
Bangladesh also reiterated its commitment to working with India in a forward-looking and mutually respectful manner on issues of mutual interest and for the benefit of the people.