Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has expressed optimism that India’s "positive and constructive" relationship with Bangladesh will continue. Speaking at an event titled "India, Asia, and the World," organized by the Asia Society and Asia Society Policy Institute in New York on Tuesday (September 25), Jaishankar shared his views.

 
He asserted that India does not attempt to control the political affairs of its neighboring states. "I would ask everyone not to jump to conclusions regarding our relationships. It’s not as though India is trying to control the politics of all its neighboring countries. It doesn’t work that way, nor does anyone succeed by doing so," said Jaishankar.

India has unconditionally supported both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Responding to comments that recent changes in government in these countries have created a challenging environment for New Delhi, the Indian foreign minister made this statement.

Jaishankar added, "At the end of the day, every neighbor has its own identity. We don’t tell them that their trajectory should align with our preferences. That’s not our intent. In today’s world, this is the reality. Every country formulates its policies according to its own choices, and others must navigate that accordingly."

The conversation also touched on recent developments in Bangladesh. Referring to Bangladesh, Jaishankar said, "The case of Bangladesh is somewhat different from others. Over the past decade, we have worked on several projects that are mutually beneficial to both countries. Overall, economic activities have increased, and the logistics sector in the region has improved."

 
Jaishankar made these remarks following his first meeting with Bangladesh's interim government foreign advisor, Tawhid Hossain. Diplomatic sources from both countries described the meeting as effective, positive, and constructive.

Jaishankar emphasized, "Every country operates based on its own perspectives. In foreign policy, you must respond to situations with understanding. I am confident that in the end, we will realize that as neighbors, we are interdependent. One country can benefit the other, and that is where mutual interests lie. Reality dictates the nature of relationships, as history teaches us."