February 23, 2026
DHAKA – After meeting foreign minister and state minister, Pranay Verma signals push for stronger trade, investment and people-to-people links
Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Pranay Verma, has said India looks forward to engaging with Bangladesh’s new government and strengthening cooperation across all domains.
“We want to work together in a positive, constructive and forward‑looking manner based on our mutual benefit and mutual interest,” Verma told journalists after a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed at the foreign ministry today.
Verma emphasised people‑to‑people exchanges as a vital part of bilateral relations, noting that this was central to his first meeting with the new foreign minister.
He referred to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s letter to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Modi’s phone call, and the attendance of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla at the oath‑taking ceremony of the new cabinet.
“In all these communications, we expressed our desire to build on our historic ties with Bangladesh and strengthen our multifaceted bilateral relations. We also conveyed our commitment to support democratic, progressive, and inclusive Bangladesh,” Verma said.
He added that India, as one of the largest foreign investors in Bangladesh, hopes to further expand trade and investment. He also reaffirmed India’s support for Bangladesh’s efforts in hosting over 1.2 million Rohingya refugees.
Asked about resuming tourist visas for Bangladeshis, Verma said this falls under the broader goal of enhancing people‑to‑people cooperation.