Jaishankar Emphasizes Mutual Interest in India Bangladesh Relations

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated on Saturday that the relationship between India and Bangladesh must meet the test of mutual interest to be successful. Speaking at the Economic Times World Leaders Forum, Jaishankar noted that he does not expect neighbors to act only in India's interest and emphasized the need for recognizing and respecting the interests of other nations. These comments come as Dhaka has reportedly linked a possible visit by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to New Delhi to the extradition of former premier Sheikh Hasina. Jaishankar declined to discuss the specific details of the extradition talks. India has invited Rahman for a bilateral visit and to attend the upcoming Brics Summit as the chair of the Bimstec grouping. While a visit planned for last week did not occur, sources indicate both sides are working to arrange a meeting later this month or in early September. In other remarks, Jaishankar described Pakistan as unique for its systematic use of terrorism to pressure a neighbor and stated that the state of the border will determine the course of the overall India China relationship.