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Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi has expressed optimism over Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s proposed visit to India, saying all necessary arrangements will be made at the appropriate time.
“We are very confident. Everything will be arranged at the right time,” Trivedi told reporters after meeting Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo at the Secretariat on Monday.
He said the Indian government has always maintained a standing invitation for the Bangladesh prime minister to visit India, and that Tarique Rahman is aware of it.
“Therefore, the momentum of relations and good ties will continue,” the high commissioner said.
Trivedi said both Bangladesh and India share the same desire to remain genuine good neighbours.
“We always say that we do not just share a border; we share the same dreams. Both countries are independent, sovereign and vibrant democracies,” he said.
Asked about whether high-level talks between the two countries had any preconditions, Trivedi said there was no reason for mutual trust and cooperation to stop.
“If the high-level meeting does not happen today, it will happen tomorrow or the day after. But since our work and intentions remain the same, advancing practical cooperation rather than repeatedly discussing the same issues and strengthening people-to-people ties are more important,” he said.
Earlier, the Indian high commissioner held a meeting with Environment Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo, where they discussed various issues related to the environment, climate, wildlife and other cross-border concerns.
Trivedi said environmental challenges such as air pollution, rivers, climate change and wildlife do not recognise borders or require visas.
“These borderless challenges have to be addressed through joint efforts,” he said.
He added that benefits such as clean air and blue skies cannot be achieved overnight and require sustained efforts.
“Even before formal bilateral discussions, there will be concrete progress at the officials’ level on important issues such as carbon credits, protection of the Sundarbans and management of elephant corridors,” Trivedi said.
Environment Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo also echoed the high commissioner’s views in response to questions from journalists.
He said the interests of the people of the two countries, as well as their commercial and environmental interdependence, are more fundamental than political or administrative equations.
“Therefore, cooperation will not come to a standstill from either side, and discussions at the officials’ level and joint initiatives will continue,” he said.
