Indian Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh on Thursday hailed the enduring strength of India-Bangladesh relations, describing them as “forged through shared experiences and sacrifices” and a “foundation for a partnership that is both resilient and forward-looking.”
Speaking as the guest of honour at a ceremony hosted by the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi to mark the belated celebration of Bangladesh’s Independence Day, Singh reiterated India’s commitment to deepening ties across all sectors.
“We are committed to fostering greater inter-linkages and connectivity with Bangladesh across all spheres. We are also looking forward to working together, further strengthening our people-to-people ties which form the bedrock of our partnership,” he said.
He highlighted the comprehensive nature of the bilateral relationship, which spans trade, connectivity, energy, security and cultural exchanges, and underlined its critical role in ensuring peace and prosperity in the region.
The event, held at the Taj Palace Hotel, was originally scheduled for March 26 but was postponed due to the observance of Ramadan and the arrival and credential presentation of the new High Commissioner to India, according to the Bangladesh High Commission.
Bangladesh High Commissioner to India M Riaz Hamidullah also addressed the gathering, noting that the evening was not only a commemoration of the past but a reflection on the shared future. “We celebrate this evening not just to remember the past, but to reflect on the future—as neighbours and partners in progress,” he said.
He called for a reimagining of regional partnerships and cited the recent transmission of 40 MW of Nepalese hydropower to Bangladesh via India as a promising example of sub-regional collaboration. As the current chair of BIMSTEC, Bangladesh remains committed to revitalising regional cooperation, he added.
The celebration drew a large and diverse audience, including ambassadors, high commissioners, diplomats, scholars, civil society members and media professionals. It also featured a cultural showcase of traditional Bangladeshi Jamdani sarees and a curated menu prepared by chefs flown in from Dhaka’s famed Fakhruddin Catering, including the beloved Dhakaiya Kacchi Biriyani.
