Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma has expressed his country`s determination to pursue collaborative relations with Bangladesh, emphasizing a positive and constructive approach grounded in shared interests during a meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday.

The diplomatic engagement took place at the PM`s Office in the Secretariat, setting the stage for enhanced bilateral dialogue between the two neighboring nations.

According to a statement released by the Indian High Commission following the discussions, both sides explored opportunities for people-focused cooperation across numerous sectors aligned with the developmental aspirations of each country.

The conversation covered an extensive range of collaborative possibilities including public health initiatives, financial inclusion programs, women`s empowerment efforts, rural development projects, bilateral trade and investment expansion, business facilitation measures, technology partnerships and energy sector cooperation.

Verma articulated that the relationship between India and Bangladesh should leverage their geographical closeness to generate fresh opportunities through strengthened economic ties, improved connectivity infrastructure and deeper cultural and interpersonal exchanges.

Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and Prime Minister`s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir participated in the discussions alongside Indian Deputy High Commissioner Pawan Badhe among other officials.

The timing of this meeting holds particular significance as it preceded Foreign Minister Rahman`s scheduled visit to New Delhi beginning April 7. During his time in the Indian capital, Khalilur Rahman is expected to hold talks with several senior Indian officials including National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.

The diplomatic momentum between the two countries received additional impetus from an earlier invitation extended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In a letter delivered to Prime Minister Rahman through Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who attended the swearing in ceremony of the new Bangladesh government, Modi invited Tarique along with his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima to visit India at a mutually suitable time, promising a warm reception.