New Delhi, Dhaka signal intent to steady relations

Amid a perceptible chill in New Delhi-Dhaka relations in recent months, senior BJP leader and national vice-president Baijayant Jay Panda on Thursday underlined India’s commitment to a “balanced, people-centric partnership” with Bangladesh during a meeting with the neighbouring country’s High Commissioner, Md Mustafizur Rahman.

Panda said India remained anchored in “mutual respect, peace, stability and shared progress” while confirming that the two sides discussed a broad spectrum of issues. The Bangladesh High Commission described bilateral ties as being shaped by a “diverse and deeper long time trajectory of cooperation and collaboration” rooted in shared values. The phrasing was seen by diplomatic observers as an attempt to reaffirm continuity.