Diplomatic Correspondent

Bangladesh and India on Sunday recognised the challenges the two neighbours are facing in terms of bilateral relations and discussed the necessity to work together to address those.

On the sidelines of the 8th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC), Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain met his Indian counterpart Dr S Jaishankar in Muscat, Oman.

Both sides also said that a meeting at the level of Directors General of Border Guarding Forces of the two countries is scheduled to be held in New Delhi on February 18-20.

They hoped that various border-related issues would be discussed and resolved during the meeting, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

"Conversations focused on our bilateral relationship, as also on Bimstec," Jaishankar said after the meeting.
Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is scheduled to attend the Bimstec Summit to be held in Bangkok on April 4.

Foreign Adviser Hossain emphasized the importance of initiating the discussion for renewal of the Ganges Water Treaty.

He also highlighted the importance of holding the meeting of the Saarc Standing Committee and requested consideration of the government of India in this regard.

The two sides discussed various bilateral issues of mutual concerns and interests.

Recalling their last meeting on the sidelines of UNGA in September 2024, both noted that since then the two countries have participated in various bilateral engagements.

The Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between Bangladesh and India at the level of Foreign Secretaries was held in Dhaka on December 9, 2024.

The Energy Adviser of Bangladesh participated at the India Energy Week events in New Delhi on February 10-11, among others.

Foreign Adviser Hossain is attending the 8th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) being organised in Muscat, Oman on February 16-17 by the government of the Sultanate of Oman in association with the Indian government and India Foundation.

The theme of the 8th IOC is "Voyage of New Horizons of Maritime Partnership”.

The Adviser spoke at one of the plenary sessions on the topic of ‘Strengthening Maritime Supply Chains’.
He explained the multifaceted challenges that endanger the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of maritime supply chains and holistic approach and collaboration required for strengthening maritime supply chains by overcoming disruptions and enhancing resilience.

Among others, he also called for easing visas and other administrative processes for the seafarers, ensuring facilities for them, as their roles are crucial in maintaining the maritime supply chain.

Ministerial delegations from more than thirty countries and several regional organisations, including Saarc, Bimstec and IORA attended the meeting.

On the sidelines of the 8th IOC, the Foreign Adviser also had meetings with the second Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brunei, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of VietNam and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tanzania and discussed various issues of mutual interests.

The Foreign Affairs Adviser is also scheduled to meet the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Oman on Monday.