India hopes for ‘constructive approach’ after Bangladesh’s dialogue call

India on Friday welcomed Bangladesh’s call for dialogue to resolve border issues, expressing hope for a “constructive approach” with Dhaka to make the shared border “crime-free”.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India is confident that Bangladesh would adopt and implement a “constructive, positive approach” in addressing bilateral concerns.

The statement comes two days after Bangladesh proposed dialogue to resolve border tensions, following weeks of heightened strain between the two neighbours. Bangladesh’s softened stance came after it had earlier criticised India’s border fencing project within Indian territory, calling it “unauthorised” and a move that could escalate tensions.

“…so that activities such as crime, human smuggling and cattle smuggling along the border can be stopped,” Jaiswal said. He added, “Our aim is to make the border crime-free and work towards that goal together.”

Jaiswal said that the fencing work that India conducted along the border was in full compliance with bilateral agreements between the two countries. “Both nations must implement these agreements in a constructive manner,” he said.

Tensions had escalated earlier this month when Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) objected to the Border Security Force’s (BSF) efforts to erect fencing in certain areas along the border. Bangladesh subsequently summoned Indian envoy Pranay Verma to express its displeasure over the project, while India also summoned Dhaka’s envoy to convey that New Delhi had adhered to all protocols and agreements during the implementation of the fencing work.

Director General-level talks between the BSF and the BGB are scheduled for next month, where the matter is expected to be discussed.

Meanwhile, India said it is closely monitoring developments in Bangladesh following a sudden increase in military-to-military engagements between Dhaka and Pakistan.

New Delhi’s reaction comes as Pakistan strengthens its presence in Bangladesh, with Dhaka planning to send a warship to participate in a naval exercise hosted by Islamabad next month and officials from Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) recently visiting Dhaka.

Responding to a question from The Tribune about India’s concerns regarding Pakistan’s growing influence in Bangladesh during a weekly briefing, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We always keep a close watch and follow developments that impact our national security, especially in our neighbourhood.”

Jaiswal reiterated that India is “keenly” observing the situation in Bangladesh.

Earlier this week, a delegation from Pakistan’s ISI visited Dhaka for a meeting with Bangladesh’s establishment, reportedly led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. Additionally, Bangladesh announced that one of its five major warships would participate in Pakistan’s naval exercise ‘Aman’, marking the first time in over a decade that a significant Bangladeshi naval asset will be involved in such an event.

The exercise is expected to include warships from South Korea and China as well.