India-Bangladesh relations do not depend on others: Jaiswal

Last Updated on January 25, 2025 7:12 am

Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that India wants to maintain relations with Bangladesh in the interest of the people of both countries and that this relationship is ‘independent’, which does not depend on Dhaka’s relations with other countries. He said this at the weekly media briefing of the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi on Friday. ANI reported.

Randhir Jaiswal said, ‘Our approach towards Bangladesh is to maintain friendly relations. We want to stand by a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh. We want to develop bilateral relations in such a way that the people of both countries are better off.’

Responding to a question about the recent development in relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan, the spokesperson further said, ‘India’s approach to relations with Bangladesh is ‘independent’ and does not depend on how Dhaka’s relations with other countries are going.’

He said, ‘We are closely monitoring all developments in the region related to our national security. We monitor everything and take appropriate measures to ensure our own security.’

Regarding media reports about a BSF-BGB Director General-level meeting in New Delhi next month, Randhir Jaiswal said, “The proposed meeting has been discussed. However, the date has not been fixed yet.”

Meanwhile, he said, India expects a “constructive cooperative attitude” from Bangladesh on the issue of fencing the border. Asked about the dispute over this, Jaiswal said, “There is an agreement between India and Bangladesh on fencing to secure the border. We hope Bangladesh will look at the issue with a constructive cooperative attitude. Both sides should implement this agreement.”