India has formally offered to extend comprehensive assistance to Bangladesh in managing floods and conducting relief operations, reaffirming the close bilateral relationship between the two neighbouring countries. The offer was made by Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar during the 7th round of the Bangladesh–India Joint Consultative Commission (JCC) meeting, held in New Delhi.
Speaking in his opening remarks at the meeting, Dr Jaishankar expressed solidarity with Bangladesh amid the severe flooding that has affected large parts of the country’s north-eastern region, particularly Sylhet. He stated that India stands ready to provide concrete assistance in flood management and humanitarian relief, should Bangladesh require it.
“I would like to take this opportunity to convey that if there is any practical way in which we can assist Bangladesh in flood management and relief activities, we would be very glad to do so,” Dr Jaishankar said.
He emphasised that such cooperation aligns naturally with the long-standing friendship, geographic proximity, and shared river systems between the two countries.
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Joint Consultative Commission Meeting
The JCC meeting was co-chaired by Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr A. K. Abdul Momen and Dr Jaishankar at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. According to diplomatic sources, the talks covered a wide range of bilateral issues, including security cooperation, trade and investment, regional connectivity, energy collaboration, and people-to-people exchanges.
Flood-related cooperation featured prominently in the discussions, particularly in the context of climate change and its increasing impact on the South Asian region.
Shared Rivers and Climate Cooperation
Dr Jaishankar highlighted the importance of joint river management, noting that India and Bangladesh share 54 transboundary rivers. He stressed that effective conservation, flood control, and sustainable water management are critical components of both countries’ climate action commitments.
He added that India looks forward to deepening cooperation with Bangladesh in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, cyber security, start-ups, and financial technology (FinTech), signalling a forward-looking approach to bilateral ties beyond traditional areas.
Regional Solidarity in Times of Crisis
The devastating floods in Bangladesh’s Sylhet region have displaced thousands of people and caused widespread damage to homes, crops, and infrastructure. India’s offer of assistance reflects a broader regional approach to disaster response, recognising that climate-induced disasters increasingly transcend national borders.
Bangladesh welcomed India’s expression of support, viewing it as a continuation of the strong diplomatic, economic, and humanitarian partnership between the two countries.
Key Highlights of India’s Offer and Discussions
| Area of Cooperation | Details |
|---|---|
| Flood Management | Technical and humanitarian support offered |
| Relief Operations | Assistance in mitigation and rescue efforts |
| Shared Rivers | Joint management of 54 transboundary rivers |
| Climate Action | Cooperation on conservation and sustainability |
| Emerging Sectors | AI, cyber security, start-ups, FinTech |
As climate challenges intensify across South Asia, India’s proactive stance underscores the growing importance of regional cooperation, not only in addressing immediate humanitarian crises but also in building long-term resilience against future environmental threats.