Kathmandu— Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, met with Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday in Dhaka, as diplomatic relations between the two countries face strain stemming from comments made by former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina while speaking in New Delhi on August 5th. The meeting followed a one-on-one discussion between Trivedi and Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, who was also present during the talks with the Prime Minister; it comes after Hasina stated her intention to return to Bangladesh despite potential legal repercussions, prompting a formal protest from Dhaka. India has maintained that Hasina’s appearance at a private event in New Delhi was not endorsed by the government.

Diplomatic Friction Following Hasina's Address

The current diplomatic friction arose after Sheikh Hasina addressed an audience in New Delhi on August 5th, marking the second anniversary of her removal from power following a student-led uprising in 2024. During the address, Hasina expressed her determination to return to Bangladesh in December with the goal of restoring democracy, acknowledging potential risks including imprisonment or a death sentence.

The Bangladeshi Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded swiftly by lodging a strong protest and condemning Hasina’s statements, citing their negative impact on public sentiment and potential complications for bilateral cooperation. The remarks have placed renewed pressure on relations between Dhaka and New Delhi.

Envoy Expresses Optimism

Prior to the meeting with Rahman, High Commissioner Trivedi expressed optimism about resolving the diplomatic issues through direct engagement between leaders of both nations. Speaking after inaugurating a children’s corner at the Indian Visa Application Centre in Dhaka on Sunday, he stated, “I feel that when… when two leaders meet, a lot of problems are solved. Problems are sorted out when we talk to each other. And I have full confidence that people are together, and the solution will definitely happen… it will happen.”

Trivedi also spoke highly of Prime Minister Rahman, describing him as “a people’s person” who speaks from the heart, drawing parallels with India's own leader.

India Maintains Neutral Stance

India has distanced itself from Hasina’s public appearance, clarifying that the government had no involvement in the event organized by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized during a media briefing that the event was hosted by a private media entity and that New Delhi does not endorse any views expressed there.

Upcoming BRICS Summit Invitation

The meeting between Trivedi and Rahman occurred as India extended an invitation to Rahman to attend the upcoming BRICS Summit in September, recognizing his role as the current chair of BIMSTEC.

The diplomatic engagement signals a continued effort by both countries to navigate recent tensions and maintain constructive relations. Further developments are expected following the meetings and ahead of the BRICS summit.

(With inputs from ANI)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.