Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is set to arrive in Dhaka on December 9 (tomorrow), amid bilateral tensions. 

Many international relations experts in Bangladesh have expressed optimism regarding improved bilateral ties, underscoring this visit might ease the ongoing blaze between Dhaka-Delhi relations.

This will mark the first visit of a senior Indian official to Dhaka since the interim government, led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus, assumed office.

The visit is being considered as a potential turning point for thawing the strained ties between the two neighboring countries.

Misri will participate in the Bangladesh-India Foreign Office Consultation (FOC), a regular bilateral dialogue platform, during his visit. 

The last FOC was held on November 24 last year in Delhi, led by then Foreign Secretaries Masud Bin Momen of Bangladesh and Vinay Kwatra of India. Since then, both countries have appointed new foreign secretaries.

In the upcoming FOC, Bangladesh will be represented by Foreign Secretary Jasim Uddin, while Vikram Misri will lead the Indian delegation.

Key Issues to be Discussed:

Several issues are expected to be addressed during the FOC. Topics likely to dominate the discussions include anti-Bangladesh propaganda in Indian media, border security concerns, water sharing of Transboundary Rivers, trade and connectivity, visa-related issues, and ensuring the safety of Bangladesh’s diplomatic missions in India.

Bangladesh Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Rafiqul Alam highlighted the scope of the meeting, saying, “The agenda for the FOC typically includes all bilateral aspects. Both parties mutually agree on discussion points. Broadly, trade, connectivity, borders, and water issues will be on the table.”

A Step Toward Normalcy

The meeting holds particular significance as it marks the first high-level diplomatic engagement between the two nations since the interim government took office. While technical committees have met thrice in the last four months, no senior-level dialogues have taken place during this period.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Towhid Hossain said that the FOC could pave the way for easing current tensions. “I believe we are moving toward normalizing relations. The FOC will be the first step in that direction,” he said, adding that it offers an opportunity for both sides to make realistic progress toward restoring full-fledged bilateral relations.

Former ambassador Humayun Kabir echoed similar sentiments, describing the FOC as a critical platform to de-escalate tensions and resolve provocations.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that Vikram Misri’s visit would focus on discussions concerning all areas of mutual interest.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on Monday to attend the FOC meeting, marking a significant moment in recent bilateral engagements.

BDST: 1811 HRS, DEC 08, 2024
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