Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar today met with BNP Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban and formally handing over a condolence message of the Indian government. Photo: Collected

DHAKA, Dec 31, 2025 (BSS) - Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar today expressed confidence that former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia's vision and values would continue to guide the development of Bangladesh-India relations.

"Expressed confidence that Begum Khaleda Zia's vision and values will guide the development of our partnership," he wrote on his verified Facebook page after meeting BNP Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban this afternoon and formally handing over the condolence message of the Indian government.

"On arrival in Dhaka, met with Mr Tarique Rahman, Acting Chairman of BNP and son of former PM of Bangladesh Begum Khaleda Zia. Handed over to him a personal letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi," he wrote in the post.

Jaishankar added that he conveyed deepest condolences on behalf of the government and people of India.

"Neighboring India has sent a condolence message expressing deep respect at the death of Begum Khaleda Zia-hailed as the "Mother of Democracy" and a "symbol of courage and struggle," an uncompromising leader committed to safeguarding independence and sovereignty," BNP said on its verified Facebook page after the meeting.

After handing over the formal condolence message, Jaishankar attended the funeral of former prime minister and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia as the representative of the Indian government.

Earlier, the Indian external affairs minister arrived in Dhaka on a special flight at around 11:30am to attend the funeral.