India looks forward to futuristic cooperation with Bangladesh: Verma

Highlighting the strong potential for future collaboration, Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma said on Saturday that India and Bangladesh, as two fast-growing economies with youthful, skilled and innovative populations, are well placed to act as catalysts for each other’s sustainable growth and future prosperity, while strengthening regional integration.

He made the remarks while addressing a large gathering organised to mark the 77th Republic Day of India at the Radisson Blu Water Garden Hotel in Dhaka.

Recalling the significance of the day, Verma said that on 26 January 1950, the people of newly independent India adopted a new Constitution, declared the country a sovereign republic and committed themselves to the ideals of justice, liberty, equality and dignity for all.

Over the past 76 years, he noted, India has transformed itself from an impoverished nation into the world’s largest democracy and one of its leading economies – a modern and confident country contributing to global progress and offering solutions to international challenges.

Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan attended the event as chief guest.

In his address, Verma said Bangladesh had been an important co-traveller in India’s journey, underlining the two countries’ special relationship and their shared history of sacrifices during Bangladesh’s Liberation War in 1971.

“Our shared love for literature, music and art defines our ties,” he said. “From Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam, whose works connect our cultures and literatures, to the rich traditions of dance, theatre and cinema, the people of our two nations share a deep cultural affinity.”

The Indian envoy said mutual exchanges and interdependence had grown stronger over the years, supported by expanding connectivity and deepening economic engagement that have brought the two societies, people and businesses closer together.

Citing examples, he referred to the cross-border pipeline carrying high-speed diesel from an Indian refinery to Bangladesh, as well as cross-border power transmission lines supplying electricity from India and Nepal to Bangladesh through the Indian grid. These initiatives, he said, had laid the foundations for energy connectivity and meaningful regional economic integration.

“Our supply chains support Bangladesh’s thriving ready-made garment and pharmaceutical sectors, demonstrating the value of mutual cooperation and interdependence. There are many such examples where our partnership has delivered tangible benefits to people and businesses on both sides,” he added.

Looking ahead, Verma said these successes should inspire more forward-looking and future-ready collaborations anchored in shared aspirations for prosperity and progress.

“We seek a partnership rooted in trust; driven by innovation and technology; and nurtured by mutual interest, mutual benefit and mutual sensitivity,” he said.

Reiterating his earlier remarks, the High Commissioner said India and Bangladesh could together build regional value chains, shared digital ecosystems and energy corridors that would benefit both economies. He added that joint efforts could also ensure a clean, affordable and secure energy future, while addressing common challenges related to environmental sustainability and climate change.

“In short, as forward-moving societies, there is so much we can offer each other and our region by working together and transforming our geographical proximity into new opportunities,” he said.

“As we gather to celebrate India’s Republic Day, we reaffirm the value of our long-standing partnership with Bangladesh and wish the people of Bangladesh peace, prosperity and success in the journey ahead. India has supported and will continue to support a democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh,” Verma added.

Political leaders from various parties, including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, Jatiya Party and CPB, as well as high commissioners and ambassadors of different countries, senior diplomats, leading business figures, journalists, cultural personalities, senior civil and military officials and members of the city’s elite attended the event.