Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma met with Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir at the Ministry of Commerce. Photo : PID

DHAKA, March 02, 2026 (BSS) — Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma has conveyed New Delhi's firm commitment to engaging closely with the new administration to bolster bilateral trade, economic, and business ties.

“India’s cooperation with Bangladesh remains anchored in the principles of mutual interest and mutual benefit,” he told reporters after an introductory meeting with Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir at the Ministry of Commerce in the city today.

In his speech, Pranay Verma characterized the engagement as a foundational step toward strengthening the robust economic relationship between the two neighbours, emphasizing India’s intent to work with the new government in a positive, constructive, and forward-looking manner.

He apprised the Minister of India’s willingness to advance people-centric cooperation across all domains, framing the economic partnership as a primary vehicle for the broader welfare of the citizens of both nations.

The envoy reiterated that the current diplomatic effort seeks to build upon the significant achievements already realized in the bilateral relationship, ensuring a stable and productive transition into the new administrative context.

Identifying India and Bangladesh as the two largest and most aspirational economies in the region, the High Commissioner highlighted the imperative to transform geographical proximity into tangible economic opportunities. 

To capitalize on this closeness, he focused on facilitating seamless business-to-business (B2B) engagement across a wide range of sectors to reduce existing barriers; and developing collaborative strategies that align with the new economic capabilities and respective national priorities of both nations.

The High Commissioner noted that the aspirational nature of both economies serves as the primary driver for a deeper, more integrated economic framework.

He mentioned that the meeting established a vision for a partnership that is increasingly future-oriented and driven by technology innovation. 

The High Commissioner explained that by leveraging recent bilateral achievements, both nations can grow their economic relationship in a way that meets modern demands. 

This technological shift is intended to ensure that the partnership remains resilient and responsive to the evolving global economic landscape, he added.

He also emphasized the intent to deepen trade and investment side-by-side with the protection and advancement of respective national interests.

The High Commissioner reiterated the high-level willingness of the Indian government to develop comprehensive business, economic, and investment ties with Bangladesh. 

He noted that while this meeting established a constructive strategic intent, the specific implementation of these goals and the formulation of detailed strategies will be managed by the respective commerce ministries of both nations.