India Seeks Constructive Climate for Talks with Bangladesh

India has expressed readiness to engage with Bangladesh on key bilateral issues, including river water sharing and trade, while stressing the need for a conducive and mutually respectful environment to enable meaningful dialogue.

“We are prepared to engage with Bangladesh on all matters in an atmosphere that fosters mutually beneficial cooperation,” said Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, during a media briefing on Friday.

The remarks came amid discussions about renewing the Ganges water-sharing treaty, which is set to expire next year after 30 years of implementation.

India and Bangladesh share 54 transboundary rivers, including the Ganges, with treaty renewal talks overseen by the Joint Rivers Commission (JRC), a longstanding bilateral mechanism for water cooperation.

The 86th JRC meeting, held earlier this year in Kolkata, reviewed the treaty’s challenges and prospects. Jaiswal noted that India continues internal consultations involving relevant state governments and stakeholders.

Responding to questions about a recent informal trilateral meeting between Bangladesh, China, and Pakistan held during the 9th China-South Asia Exposition in Kunming, Jaiswal said India remains watchful of regional developments that could affect its strategic interests.

“Our bilateral relationships stand on their own merits, but we continuously monitor evolving regional dynamics,” he added.

Bangladesh dismissed speculation about the Kunming talks signaling any new alliance or strategic bloc. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said the meeting was official and not aimed at India.

Jaiswal also addressed unresolved trade issues, noting that recent amendments in India’s trade policy related to Bangladesh followed Dhaka’s calls for “fairness, equal treatment, and reciprocity.” He added that long-standing trade concerns have been raised in various bilateral forums.

In a rare public comment on internal matters in Bangladesh, Jaiswal expressed concern over the demolition of a Durga temple in Dhaka’s Khilkhet area. He criticised the interim government for allowing the demolition despite threats from extremist elements, lamenting damage to the idol before its relocation.

“We are dismayed that such incidents keep recurring,” he said, urging the Bangladesh government to protect religious minorities and their places of worship.

Despite these tensions, India emphasized diplomacy and dialogue as the preferred means to address disputes with Bangladesh.