India has reiterated its desire for a positive, constructive and forward-looking relationship with Bangladesh, while expressing its readiness to discuss bilateral issues through established diplomatic mechanisms.
During a weekly media briefing in New Delhi on Friday, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India had taken initiatives and held meetings under structured mechanisms covering areas such as trade, railways, water resources and border management.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
India seeks positive, constructive and forward-looking relations with Bangladesh.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal made the statement during a media briefing in New Delhi on November 13.
Bilateral engagement covers trade, railways, water resources and border management.
The fifth India-Bangladesh Consular Dialogue has been postponed.
The next round will be held on a mutually convenient date.
Discussions will include matters relating to the Revised Travel Arrangement.
Responding to a question about the India-Bangladesh Consular Dialogue, Jaiswal said the next round of discussions would be held on a mutually convenient date. The meeting will also take up matters relating to the Revised Travel Arrangement between the two countries.
The fifth round of the Consular Dialogue, which was scheduled for November 17–18, 2026, in Dhaka, has been postponed.
Jaiswal said India remains ready to discuss all matters and bilateral issues with Bangladesh through existing mechanisms, including at the technical level.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
India and Bangladesh share important interests in trade, connectivity, border management, water resources and people-to-people relations. Continued diplomatic engagement provides an established channel for addressing bilateral concerns and maintaining cooperation.
The Consular Dialogue provides a platform for the two countries to discuss consular cooperation, visa-related matters, travel arrangements and mutual legal assistance. The previous, fourth round of the dialogue was held in New Delhi on May 29, 2024.
India's latest statement reiterates its preference for continued diplomatic engagement and the use of established bilateral channels to address issues between the neighbouring countries.
