Political issues should not hinder Bangladesh-India trade ties: Indian envoy

Political differences between Bangladesh and India should not be allowed to undermine economic and commercial cooperation between the two countries, Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi said on Monday (August 24).

"Let politics take its own course, but let us move forward with business relations," he told reporters after paying a courtesy call on Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir at the Secretariat.

Trivedi said ordinary people in both countries want jobs, better education and healthcare, improved roads and reliable electricity, and stronger trade ties can play an important role in meeting those expectations.

He acknowledged that bilateral relations have both political and economic dimensions, saying political issues are inevitable in a democracy. However, development and a better quality of life remain the primary concerns of ordinary citizens.

The envoy stressed the importance of interdependence between the two countries, saying greater economic cooperation could create a more sustainable foundation for bilateral relations.

"Bangladesh will depend on India and India will depend on Bangladesh" for development, he said, arguing that such mutual dependence could help build a relationship between the two countries based on trust and shared interests.

Trivedi also called for greater cooperation in the apparel sector, including joint initiatives to expand production and strengthen business ties.

He said both countries have a large and talented young population whose aspirations should be kept at the centre of policymaking.

"People want peace. Peace brings prosperity," the envoy said, stressing that Bangladesh and India share a responsibility to create an environment in which their younger generations can pursue peace and prosperity.

He also emphasised that Bangladesh and India are two independent and sovereign countries and should engage with each other on the basis of equality.

"No country is bigger or smaller; both are equal," Trivedi said, calling for bilateral cooperation on that principle.