Outgoing Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma has said Bangladesh and India need a new “future-oriented agenda” that reflects the evolving capabilities, aspirations and development priorities of both nations.
In a farewell message ahead of concluding his four-year diplomatic posting in Dhaka, Pranay said the two neighbouring countries, as the largest economies in the region, should play a leading role in advancing closer regional integration.
“As the two largest economies of the region, we both have to be the anchors for closer regional integration,” he said.
Pranay, who joined the Indian mission in September 2022 and served during three different governments in Bangladesh, has been appointed India’s ambassador to Belgium and the European Union.
On his final day in Dhaka, he paid a farewell call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and reaffirmed India’s interest in deepening multifaceted engagement with Bangladesh. The premier thanked the envoy for his contributions and wished him success in his next diplomatic assignment.
Describing Bangladesh-India relations as “special and unique,” Pranay said the ties are rooted in shared geography, history, language and traditions, as well as the sacrifices made during the 1971 Liberation War.
He stressed that the prosperity of one country benefits the other and underscored the importance of cooperation in addressing common challenges such as climate change.
Highlighting the need for stronger cultural and economic connectivity, the outgoing envoy said geographical proximity should be viewed as an opportunity to create greater regional cooperation and development.
Reflecting on his tenure in Dhaka, Pranay said both he and his wife would always cherish the warmth and friendships they experienced in Bangladesh.
“Four years is a long time, but not long enough with the fondness and emotional attachment we have developed for this country and its people,” he said.
