Former Indian diplomat Vidya Bhushan Soni expresses optimism over potential visit by Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to strengthen bilateral ties
Photo Collected
Former senior Indian diplomat Vidya Bhushan Soni has expressed optimism regarding a potential visit to India by Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, suggesting the trip could strengthen bilateral ties and pave the way for resolving long-standing regional disputes.
In an interview with the Indian news agency ANI on Monday, Soni emphasized that such a diplomatic engagement holds the potential to address critical unresolved issues between the two nations, most notably the long-stalled Teesta River water-sharing agreement. While noting that both sides had previously reached a broad consensus on the matter, he acknowledged that progress had stalled over minor technical disagreements.
Soni further highlighted the significance of the Rohingya refugee crisis, stating that Dhaka is keen for New Delhi to play a more proactive role as a mediator with the authorities in Myanmar. He expressed the view that Bangladesh is looking to leverage India’s diplomatic influence to reach a resolution, given that the current administration in Myanmar remains receptive to New Delhi’s counsel.
Addressing the leadership of Tarique Rahman, the former diplomat described him as a pragmatic figure. Soni refuted the characterization of the Prime Minister as anti-Indian, noting that Rahman has never publicly made statements to that effect. He suggested that New Delhi is carefully navigating these diplomatic possibilities with a sense of caution and optimism.
Soni stressed that both nations must capitalize on the current window for improved communication, warning that failure to do so could result in a prolonged period of diplomatic stagnation. He urged both sides to ensure that this opportunity for engagement is not squandered.
Diplomatic channels between New Delhi and Dhaka have remained active over the past several weeks to coordinate a potential visit. AKM Shahidul Karim, a spokesperson for the Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed the ongoing discussions on Sunday. He underscored that Dhaka is focused on establishing a favorable environment for such a visit, which includes formal requests to the Indian government to honor bilateral extradition treaties.
Bangladesh has specifically requested the return of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and other fugitives, as well as the handover of those responsible for the killing of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi. As of Monday, New Delhi has yet to issue an official response regarding these requests.
0%
0%
0%
0%
