New Delhi, Dec. 11: Indian Foreign secretary Vikram Misri called for clearing the “clouds” that have overshadowed bilateral relations between the two countries in a meeting with chief adviser of Bangladesh's interim government Muhammad Yunus on Monday.

Misri, during his Bangladesh visit, held multiple high-profile which included Chief Adviser of the Interim Government of Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus and the Foreign Affairs Adviser, Md Touhid Hossain.
"I underlined today, India's desire to work closely with the interim government of Bangladesh authorities. At the same time, we also had the opportunity to discuss certain developments and issues, and I conveyed our concern, including those related to the safety and welfare of minorities. We also discussed some regrettable incidents of attacks on cultural, religious, and diplomatic properties," Misri said during a press briefing.

Highlighting the enduring people-centric nature of India-Bangladesh relations, Misri remarked, "We have always seen in the past and continue to see in the future this relationship as people-oriented, one that has the benefit of all the people as its central motivational force."
Reflecting on the interactions between the two nations, Misri expressed gratitude to Bangladesh's Foreign Secretary Mohd. Jashimuddin for facilitating comprehensive discussions. He added, "Thanks to Bangladesh Foreign Secretary colleague His Excellency Mohd. Jashimuddin for discussions and consultations on the entire gamut of issues in the extremely important bilateral relationship between India and Bangladesh."

Misri also recalled key developments since the political transition in Bangladesh in August. "Since the political changes in August this year, there has of course been contact between our leaderships. The Prime Minister was the first leader to greet the Chief Advisor on his assumption of office. The two of them had a very cordial telephone conversation after that, and the Chief Advisor also accepted the Prime Minister’s invitation to speak at the third Voice of the Global South Summit that was held in August this year," he noted.

He elaborated on subsequent engagements, saying, "Since then, the External Affairs Ministers and the Foreign Affairs Advisor have been in touch. They met on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York in September this year. And my visit follows those interactions and is the first Foreign Secretary-level structured engagement between the two sides following those developments."
During the discussions, key areas of collaboration, such as trade, connectivity, energy, and cultural cooperation, were reviewed, with both nations reaffirming their commitment to fostering a constructive and mutually beneficial partnership. Misri described the talks as “frank, candid, and constructive,” stressing India's aspiration for a positive relationship with Bangladesh.
"This visit marked the first structured engagement at the Foreign Secretary level following these developments," he added, stressing the significance of ongoing bilateral cooperation.