Only talks can resolve issues, hopes Bangladesh PM visits soon: Trivedi

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, has said that differences between the two neighbouring nations can only be resolved through dialogue. He also expressed hope that Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's visit to India would take place "much sooner".

Trivedi was speaking at a welcome dinner in Dhaka on Sunday. His remarks came just hours after Bangladesh's government attached conditions for a possible bilateral visit by PM Tarique to India at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As reported, the conditions include India acting expeditiously on the extradition of former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina and other criminal fugitives, and helping create a "propitious environment" for the visit.

Trivedi did not directly respond to the conditions. Instead, he stressed that challenges are inherent in democracy. "We have our challenges. There is no doubt about it. If you do not have challenges, that is not democracy," he said. He added that India and Bangladesh are two sovereign countries that share not just a border but also "share a dream".

"Issues can only be sorted out by meeting," Trivedi said, while expressing optimism that PM Tarique's India visit would take place soon. He described both Prime Ministers as "people's persons" and asserted that when the two leaders meet and interact, no issue could be left unaddressed. He also acknowledged that the two countries would naturally have differences and need space to pursue their respective interests.

The high commissioner's comments come at a time when bilateral ties face friction over Dhaka's demand for extradition of Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in India. Bangladesh has formally requested her return, and India has not made any public statement on the matter. Trivedi's focus on dialogue reflects India's position that international issues are best resolved through discussion.

Meanwhile, economic engagement between the two countries continues. An Indian business delegation from the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) began a three-day visit to Bangladesh on Monday. Led by CII director general Chandrajit Banerjee, the delegation comprises 14 business leaders. The visit seeks to strengthen economic and commercial engagement between the nations.

The delegation is expected to meet Bangladeshi government officials and industry representatives to explore trade and investment opportunities. India and Bangladesh have robust economic ties, with India being one of Bangladesh's major trading partners. Bilateral cooperation spans trade, energy, connectivity, and capacity building. India and Bangladesh have traditionally shared strong ties across these sectors, and the CII visit is part of ongoing exchanges to sustain and enhance them. The bilateral economic partnership is a cornerstone of the relationship, benefiting communities on both sides of the border.

The proposed visit by PM Tarique to India, for which India extended an invitation, has not been scheduled yet. Trivedi's remarks, however, suggest that India is keen to welcome him. The high commissioner said that when the two leaders meet, they will be able to address all issues. A bilateral visit would allow direct talks, which Trivedi emphasised as essential for resolving differences.