New Delhi, 13 November (H.S.): India has once again reiterated its desire to maintain positive and constructive relations with Bangladesh. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, referring to recent meetings on trade, railway connectivity, water resources and border management, said the next round of consular talks would be held on a mutually agreed date.

The spokesperson's remarks came in the context of the recent postponement of the consular dialogue, which had been scheduled for November 17-18. This is the first time in the past two years that the talks have been postponed. The development is believed to be linked to tensions surrounding the presence of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in India and Dhaka's extradition requests.

Addressing the regular media briefing on Friday, Jaiswal said the next round of India-Bangladesh consular dialogue, which would also cover matters relating to the revised travel agreement, would be held on a date mutually agreed upon by both sides.

He added that India remained willing to discuss all bilateral issues with Bangladesh through existing institutional mechanisms, including at the technical level.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar