DHAKA, Jan 15, 2024 (BSS) - Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay 
Verma today said that New Delhi eyes on gaining a "greater momentum" in the 
existing excellent India-Bangladesh bilateral ties as the Awami League 
government resumed office after its reelection.

 "We (India) are very hopeful and confident that in the next new term of this 
(Bangladesh) government, we will be able to achieve even greater momentum in 
our bilateral partnership," he told reporters after holding a courtesy 
meeting with newly appointed foreign minister Dr Hasan Mahmud at the foreign 
ministry here. 

The envoy expressed his optimism that New Delhi and Dhaka would also be able 
to further strengthen its development partnership to contribute even more 
robustly to the national developments of the two neighboring countries. 

"We have always said that India stands always ready to help people of 
Bangladesh, to work with people of Bangladesh in realizing their vision for 
stable, progressive and prosperous society guided by our long standing 
friendship and inspired by our shared sacrifice in the Liberation War," he 
said.

The envoy termed his maiden meeting with the new Bangladesh foreign minister 
as "very good" and said he looks forward to closer cooperation with the 
foreign ministry in the coming days. 

Verma said that the two countries would explore further areas of cooperation, 
contribute to the growing development and build peaceful, stable, and 
prosperous societies.

"(During the meeting) We Explored some of the things that we would like to do 
for the future including the area of climate change, digital economy ...how 
we can support Bangladesh prime minister's vision of building Smart 
Bangladesh by 2041," he said. 

It was Mahmud's first ever meeting with any foreign envoy after assuming 
office as the Foreign Minister.

Earlier, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar congratulated Dr 
Hasan Mahmud on his appointment as Foreign Minister of Bangladesh.

During today's meeting, the Indian High Commissioner also invited the foreign 
minister to visit New Delhi, foreign office sources said.