New delhi: India on Tuesday emphasized its vigilant observation of global events, including the recent visit of Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman to China. "As practitioners of international relations and diplomats here, and as officers at the Ministry of External Affairs, we closely follow all the developments that happen around the world, and we continue to do so in relation to the trip that you mentioned," stated MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during a regular briefing in New Delhi.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur's visit to China from May 5 to 7 was at the invitation of Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister of China. During the visit, significant discussions took place regarding the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP). Bangladesh's Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir reported that China's EXIM Bank expressed interest in financing the project after 'very good and positive' discussions.
In response to inquiries about the commencement of work on the Teesta project, Adviser Kobir explained that the study report is under review, and recommendations are being evaluated. Kobir also mentioned the potential visit of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to China, although details have yet to be finalized. The Prime Minister's visit is anticipated to further strengthen Bangladesh's development partnership with China.
Both nations agreed on enhancing Belt and Road cooperation and fostering collaborations in trade, investment, the digital economy, and more. Bangladesh acknowledged China's longstanding support for its development and expressed a desire to elevate bilateral relations initiated by former President Ziaur Rahman.
In addressing border security and illegal immigration, MEA Spokesperson Jaiswal highlighted the ongoing discourse between India and Bangladesh. He noted that India has requested Bangladesh to verify the nationality of over 2,860 individuals believed to be Bangladeshi nationals residing in India without response.
Jaiswal further emphasized the positive trajectory of India-Bangladesh relations, referencing recent visits by Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur to New Delhi and India's Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to Dhaka. He underscored India's commitment to meeting Bangladesh's fuel needs amid the energy crisis, facilitated through the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline, which supplies high-speed diesel to Bangladesh.
The ongoing cooperation between India and Bangladesh exemplifies their mutual interests and the positive direction of their bilateral relations.