New Delhi on Saturday hosted the seventh round of the Bangladesh–India Joint Consultative Commission (JCC), marking a significant return to in-person diplomatic engagement between the two neighbouring countries after a prolonged pause caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The high-level meeting brought together Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister, Dr A. K. Abdul Momen, and India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr S. Jaishankar, who jointly co-chaired the session.
The JCC is the principal institutional mechanism for reviewing the full spectrum of bilateral relations between Bangladesh and India. Officials from both sides described the meeting as timely and important, given the evolving regional and global context and the shared challenges faced by South Asia in the post-pandemic period.
Dr Momen arrived in New Delhi on Saturday afternoon for a three-day official visit. He was received at the airport by Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India, Muhammad Imran, along with senior officials from India’s Ministry of External Affairs. This round of the JCC was particularly notable as it was the first physical meeting since the outbreak of Covid-19; the previous session, held in 2020, took place virtually.
According to officials familiar with the agenda, the meeting aimed to conduct a comprehensive review of bilateral cooperation. Discussions covered a wide range of issues, including border management, security cooperation, trade and investment, connectivity, energy collaboration, water resources, development partnerships, and cooperation in regional and multilateral forums. The two sides also reviewed joint efforts undertaken during the pandemic, including vaccine cooperation, medical assistance, and the movement of essential goods.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs stated that particular emphasis was placed on enhancing economic ties and improving connectivity projects that link Bangladesh with India’s northeastern states. Water-sharing arrangements for common rivers, a long-standing and sensitive issue in bilateral relations, were also discussed, with both sides reiterating their commitment to dialogue and cooperative solutions.
Beyond the formal JCC meeting, Dr Momen’s visit included engagement with the Indian business community. As part of his programme, he participated in an “Interactive Business Meeting” jointly organised by the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). The event focused on promoting bilateral trade, encouraging cross-border investment, and exploring opportunities in emerging sectors such as information technology, energy, and manufacturing.
Diplomatic observers noted that the resumption of the JCC in person reflected the depth and maturity of Bangladesh–India relations. Both governments expressed optimism that the outcomes of the meeting would help further strengthen cooperation and address outstanding issues in a constructive manner.
Key Details of the 7th Bangladesh–India JCC
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Meeting | 7th Bangladesh–India Joint Consultative Commission |
| Location | New Delhi |
| Co-chairs | Dr A. K. Abdul Momen (Bangladesh), Dr S. Jaishankar (India) |
| Format | First physical meeting since Covid-19 |
| Major Topics | Border management, trade, connectivity, energy, water resources, regional issues |
| Additional Engagement | Interactive Business Meeting with CII |
The seventh JCC meeting thus reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to sustained dialogue and closer partnership, laying the groundwork for deeper cooperation in the years ahead.