The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated on Friday, November 13, that the fifth round of the India-Bangladesh consular dialogue will be held on a "mutually convenient date." Randhir Jaiswal, the MEA's Official Spokesperson, made the announcement during a bi-weekly media briefing, emphasizing that India seeks to maintain "positive, constructive and forward-looking" relations with its neighbor. He noted that the upcoming dialogue will address matters related to the Revised Travel Arrangement and that India remains prepared to discuss all bilateral issues through existing mechanisms, including at the technical level.
The announcement follows reports that the consular talks, initially scheduled for November 17 and 18, have been postponed. Diplomatic sources indicated that the delay was due to a spike in tensions regarding the proposed return of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh. Ms. Hasina has been residing in India since August 5, 2024, and has stated her intention to return to Dhaka in December.
The two nations initiated the consular dialogue in 2017 to strengthen people-to-people contact through regular communication on consular, visa, and mutual legal assistance cooperation. Four rounds of these discussions were held during the Awami League's rule in Dhaka, with the fourth round in May 2024 focusing on visa matters, repatriation, and mutual legal assistance treaty cases.
