Even the closest relationships need to be nurtured: India’s new envoy
Vikram Kumar Doraiswami presented his credentials to President Abdul Hamid at the Bangabhaban on Thursday
Newly appointed Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Vikram Kumar Doraiswami, has conveyed his government's commitment to finding mutually acceptable solutions to all issues with Bangladesh.
Recognising that even the closest of relationships need to be nurtured, Doraiswami said, "My government has ordered me to do exactly that. My colleagues and I will spare no effort to promote this partnership at all levels."
"Let me stress that Bangladesh is, was, and will always be, a very special partner of India," the new Indian envoy pointed out while addressing a press conference on Thursday evening at the India House in Dhaka's Gulshan area.
Doraiswami also emphasised that the mandate reflects the approach of their government, where fraternal ties with Bangladesh is one of their highest priorities.
He continued, "Ours is a friendship that goes beyond even strategic partnerships, because it is based on shared sacrifice, shared history and culture, and on the uniquely close ties of kinship. I want to underline this point.
"There is not, and will never be, a diminution of the highest level of importance that Bangladesh holds in India. In that context, we are committed to deliver, with our partners in your government, on a special 'air bubble' arrangement to resume aviation very soon. We are also committed to jointly work to tackle Covid."
As the two countries move toward the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh's liberation, the Indian high commissioner said he is certain that the leaders will continue to increase their expectations for their relationship.
"We do our best to live up to the expectations of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Doraiswami said.
The Indian diplomat said he would listen to people's expectations in Bangladesh and convey those messages to their leadership. He added that the Indian northeast states are important for building a stronger friendship between the two countries.
Doraiswami laid emphasis on enhancing trade and commerce through utilising river and road communication.
"I am delighted to get the opportunity to work for further improvement of our relations," he said, adding, "We will work at a pace and in a manner with which you are comfortable, ensuring fullest respect for your priorities and in a way that emphasises the value we attach to this friendship.
"As we move toward the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh's liberation, I am certain our leaders will continue to increase their expectations for our relationship."
Praising the economic growth of Bangladesh, the Indian high commissioner said, "Today, Bangladesh is equally respected for the remarkable improvements it has recorded in social indices. Equally, we salute your sustained economic growth at the fastest pace in our South Asian homeland.
"Today, whether it is the economic success forged under the statesmanship of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, or the never-say-die spirit of the Tigers on the cricket pitch, the world sees Bangladesh with new respect."
Earlier the same day, he presented his credentials to President Abdul Hamid at the Bangabhaban.
The Indian diplomat arrived in Bangladesh through Brahmanbaria's Akhaura International Immigration Checkpost on October 5. Doraiswami was an Additional Secretary at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India.
Meanwhile, immediate-past Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Riva Ganguly Das, has resumed her office at the MEA. Ganguly, who arrived in Dhaka on 1 March last year, returned to New Delhi a couple of days ago.