India-Bangladesh discuss boosting defence ties, regional cooperation
M Riaz Hamidullah, Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India, met Chief of Army Staff Upendra Dwivedi in the national capital on Thursday, with both sides exploring ways to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation, including joint training initiatives.
According to sources, “at the meeting, both sides underlined the important role played by the two Armed Forces in forging understanding and stabilizing the relations between Delhi and Dhaka in the context of wider bilateral relations, particularly during recent times of strained ties.”
The interaction focused on expanding collaboration between the militaries while identifying avenues to promote peace and stability in the region. The Indian Army said the discussions reflected a shared commitment to deepening strategic engagement and enhancing mutual understanding through institutional partnerships.
The meeting comes amid a broader push by both nations to reinforce their historically close ties. Earlier, Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh reiterated India’s support for Bangladesh’s new Government, emphasising that the relationship between the two neighbours is rooted in shared history, culture and language.
Speaking at Bangladesh’s Independence Day celebrations in New Delhi, he noted that the legacy of the 1971 Liberation War continues to shape bilateral ties, fostering a partnership built on trust, shared values and a common vision for regional prosperity.
India has also expressed its intent to further strengthen cooperation with the new administration led by Tarique Rahman. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said New Delhi is keen to expand engagement across sectors, including connectivity, trade and capacity-building initiatives.
With ongoing collaboration in infrastructure, energy and cross-border projects, both countries are looking to advance a resilient, people-centric partnership while maintaining dialogue on all aspects of bilateral engagement.
