Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has reiterated India’s desire to maintain strong and friendly relations with Bangladesh, emphasizing the importance of fostering good ties with neighboring countries. In a special interview with the Indo-Asian News Service (IANS) on Saturday (March 8), Singh stated that India has always sought to maintain positive relations with its neighbors, including Bangladesh.

“Bangladesh is our neighboring country, and we always want to maintain good relations with our neighbors. Former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee used to say that while we can change friends, we cannot change our neighbors. Therefore, we want strong and cordial relations with Bangladesh,” Singh said.

The report highlighted that India is closely monitoring the political situation in Bangladesh under the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Earlier, on Friday, Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India supports a stable, peaceful, inclusive, and progressive Bangladesh, where all issues are resolved through democratic, inclusive, and participatory elections.

Jaiswal also expressed concerns over the law and order situation in Bangladesh, noting that the release of individuals convicted of serious crimes has further complicated the situation.

Meanwhile, officials from the Joint Rivers Commission of Bangladesh and India recently held their 86th meeting in Kolkata. The meeting discussed the benefits and challenges of the Ganges water-sharing agreement, which has been in place for the past 30 years. The agreement is set to be renewed next year.

Jaiswal mentioned that the two countries’ delegations discussed the Ganges water-sharing treaty, water flow measurement, and other technical issues of mutual interest.

On the issue of violence against minorities, particularly the Hindu community in Bangladesh, the spokesperson said India hopes that those involved in killings, arson, and violence against minorities will be brought to justice through proper investigation.

Earlier, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had stated that Bangladesh needs to decide what kind of relationship it wants with India. In response, Bangladesh’s interim Foreign Affairs Advisor, Mohammad Tawhid Hossain, said that India must also decide what kind of relationship it seeks with Bangladesh.

“He (Jaishankar) said Bangladesh needs to decide what kind of relationship it wants. Of course, Bangladesh will decide what kind of relationship it wants with India. Similarly, India must decide what kind of relationship it wants with Bangladesh. This is a matter for both sides, and there is nothing wrong in saying so,” Hossain remarked during a press briefing on February 24.

The statements from both sides underscore the mutual importance of maintaining a strong, cooperative relationship between the two neighboring nations, rooted in shared interests and regional stability.