Talk on India and Bangladesh

The Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organised a Talk titled "India and Bangladesh: Partners in Progress" on 08 July 2011 at the BIISS Auditorium.

The talk was delivered by Mr S. M. Krishna, External Affairs Minister of the Republic of India, as the Guest Speaker. The programme was attended by Dr Dipu Moni, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh; Mr Muhammad Mijarul Quayes, Foreign Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh; Mr Rajeet Mitter, High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh; and Mr Ahmad Tariq Karim, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to India, along with senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, policymakers, academics, researchers, military officials, representatives of think tanks, media professionals, and students.

Major General Muhammad Imrul Quayes, ndc, psc, Director General of BIISS, delivered the welcome address, while Major General Muhammad Firdaus Mian, psc, Chairman of the Board of Governors, BIISS, chaired the session.

In his keynote address, Mr S. M. Krishna highlighted the enduring friendship between Bangladesh and India, describing the relationship as one founded on shared history, cultural affinity, geographical proximity, and common aspirations for peace, development, and regional prosperity. He emphasised that the partnership between the two neighbouring countries had entered a new phase of cooperation, characterised by growing political trust, regular high-level engagement, and expanding collaboration across multiple sectors.

The Guest Speaker underscored the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade and investment, connectivity, energy, water resources, education, culture, science and technology, and people-to-people exchanges. He noted that enhanced regional connectivity through road, rail, inland waterways, and cross-border infrastructure would facilitate economic integration, promote commerce, and create greater opportunities for sustainable development across South Asia.

Mr Krishna also highlighted the need for closer cooperation in addressing shared regional challenges, including border management, counter-terrorism, climate change, disaster management, food security, and energy security. He stressed that sustained dialogue, mutual confidence, and collaborative approaches would further strengthen the strategic partnership and contribute to regional peace and stability.

The programme provided an important platform for exchanging views on the future direction of Bangladesh–India relations and the evolving regional landscape. During the interactive discussion session, participants shared valuable questions, comments, suggestions, and observations on enhancing bilateral cooperation and promoting regional integration through stronger diplomatic, economic, and cultural engagement.

The event concluded with a reaffirmation of the shared commitment of Bangladesh and India to further deepen their longstanding partnership based on mutual respect, trust, and shared interests. The talk highlighted the importance of continued collaboration in advancing economic development, strengthening regional connectivity, and promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in South Asia.