Delhi: The aspect of security for India is a very important element of India's policy in the neighborhood, said Pankaj Saran, Convenor of NatStrat, a Delhi-based independent centre for research on strategic and security issues, noting that India is keen to build 'new page' in ties with Bangladesh after elections.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Saran emphasized the importance of security in India's neighborhood policy. He highlighted the need for India to carefully observe how the new government in Bangladesh will manage its relations with China, Pakistan, and the United States, and where India will fit into this dynamic. Saran, who has held key positions within the Government of India, underscored the importance of maintaining security for India's interests while pursuing policies in the neighborhood, excluding Pakistan.
Saran further elaborated on the significance of China's relationships with countries like Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar, noting that these relationships also impact India. During an interaction at the Sushma Swaraj Institute, he addressed a visiting media delegation from Bangladesh, discussing India's relations with South Asian countries amid changing global scenarios.
The media delegation, including Adviser of NatStrat Shantanu Mukharji and members of the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh, is on a week-long visit to India. Saran remarked on the complexities of the world, urging lessons of cooperation from India to regions like Europe and West Asia despite differences.
Pankaj Saran, who previously served as Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, commented on the challenges faced by countries such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Myanmar, while noting the potential for improvement in nations like Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives due to democratic advances.
He highlighted the current diplomatic stalemate between India and Pakistan and similar issues faced by India and Bangladesh with Myanmar. Saran noted the positive developments following Bangladesh's elections, including the exchange of congratulatory messages between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh's new Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, marking a shift from past diplomatic atmospheres.
Saran also mentioned the appointment of Dinesh Trivedi as India's new High Commissioner to Bangladesh, emphasizing the strategic significance of the appointment. He expressed optimism about the evolving relationship between India and Bangladesh, acknowledging the deep historical, geographical, and cultural ties that bind the two nations.
Reflecting on past challenges, Saran recalled the period from 2001 to 2006 when Indo-Bangladesh relations were strained due to security concerns. He stressed the need for dialogue and cooperation to overcome past difficulties and move forward with new initiatives.