India wants to build a positive, constructive and forward-looking relationship with Bangladesh based on mutual interests, Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Tuesday.

Jaiswal made the remarks while responding to questions from journalists at the Ministry of External Affairs’ regular briefing in New Delhi, amid questions over the future direction of bilateral relations.

Asked about a possible visit to India by Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Jaiswal did not provide any confirmation. On Bangladesh’s requests for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, a person accused in the killing of Osman Hadi and others currently in India, he said there had been no change in New Delhi’s position. The requests are being examined through India’s established procedures, he said.

On Bangladesh’s additional fuel requirements, Jaiswal said India was assessing whether it could supply additional fuel while considering its own fuel stocks, refinery capacity and domestic demand.

He also avoided making a direct comment on the resumption of stalled Indian development projects in Bangladesh, instead reiterating New Delhi’s emphasis on maintaining a positive, constructive and forward-looking relationship between the two countries.

According to PTI, Jaiswal also addressed security concerns following references in a recent UN Security Council report to alleged efforts by al-Qaeda to establish a base in Bangladesh. He said terrorism and security remain concerns for both countries and stressed the importance of working together to counter such threats.

The briefing also touched on the Teesta water-sharing issue and China’s interest in a proposed Teesta project in Bangladesh. Jaiswal emphasized the importance of bilateral mechanisms for managing and sharing the waters of common rivers between India and Bangladesh, but did not elaborate on any specific Indian concerns regarding China’s interest in the Teesta project.

Jaiswal’s comments come as Bangladesh-India relations remain focused on a range of sensitive issues, including water sharing, energy cooperation, development projects, security and the possible repatriation or extradition of individuals sought by Dhaka.

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