The meeting lasted approximately 30 minutes and addressed topics of mutual concern, according to statements released following the encounter.
Trivedi communicated greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and emphasized India’s “intent to collaborate with the government and the people of Bangladesh in a positive, constructive, and progressive manner,” stated the Indian High Commission in Dhaka.
The two parties also explored methods to enhance bilateral relations through a “people-centric approach,” as noted in a post on X.
The Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi reported that the half-hour conversation was expected to help strengthen ties between the two nations. A detailed account of the specific bilateral topics discussed during the meeting was not immediately provided.
Prior to Monday’s meeting, Trivedi also had a one-on-one discussion with Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman at State Guest House Padma on Sunday.
This interaction occurs at a critical juncture in the India-Bangladesh relationship, following Hasina’s virtual press engagement that prompted a significant protest from Bangladesh.
In a separate event at an Indian Visa Application Centre in Dhaka, the Indian envoy expressed hope that a meeting between Modi and Rahman would alleviate the current bilateral strains.
“When leaders meet, many problems are resolved. I am confident,” Trivedi stated. “We hold Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman in high regard. He is a people’s person, just like our PM.”
Monday’s meeting was the latest in a series of discussions Trivedi has held since arriving in Bangladesh in June. The former Union minister has previously interacted with senior members of the new administration, including Humayun Kabir, adviser on foreign affairs, and Iqbal Hassan Mahmood, minister of power, energy, and mineral resources. He has also engaged with business representatives, such as Mahbubur Rahman, president of the International Chamber of Commerce Bangladesh.
The Hasina factor
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina participated in a virtual media interaction at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia in New Delhi using an audio-only connection. During this interaction, Hasina reiterated her intention to return to Bangladesh in December despite the potential for arrest upon her arrival.
“Whatever fate awaits me, I will return to my people,” Hasina expressed. “December is our victory month, so I wish to return then.”
She did not specify a date and mentioned that further details would be shared “when the time is right.”
Hasina has been residing in India since fleeing Dhaka on August 5, 2024, as a student-led uprising led to the fall of her government. In November 2025, Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal convicted her in absentia and sentenced her to death for crimes against humanity related to the uprising. Hasina has dismissed the verdict.
Her appearance at the New Delhi event prompted a strong response from Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Dhaka expressed “outrage” that Hasina, labeled as an “absconding convicted genocider,” was allowed to engage with the media from New Delhi. The ministry also expressed regret that the event proceeded despite Bangladesh’s communicated concerns to India regarding possible repercussions on bilateral relations.
These concerns were raised during a previous meeting between Kabir and Trivedi, where the Bangladeshi side highlighted Hasina’s planned press conference with the Indian envoy and cautioned that political activities conducted from Indian soil could impact relations.
India distances itself from event
New Delhi has distanced itself from the event, both prior to and following its occurrence.
Before the conference, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified that the event was organized by a private media entity and had no connection or endorsement from the Indian government.
“The government has no involvement whatsoever in it. It does not endorse any views that may be expressed at this forum,” Jaiswal stated.
India reiterated its position after Bangladesh lodged its protest, specifically distancing itself from Hasina’s criticisms of the new government in Dhaka.
“The government had no role to play in what was an event hosted by a private media entity,” Jaiswal said during a press briefing on August 7. “The government does not endorse the remarks made at the forum, particularly concerning the newly formed government of Bangladesh.”
A cautious reset
Tarique Rahman assumed the role of prime minister of Bangladesh after the Bangladesh Nationalist Party-led alliance secured a majority in the February 12 election. Since then, India has taken a balanced stance toward Bangladesh’s new leadership.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla represented India during Rahman’s swearing-in ceremony on February 17. Subsequently, New Delhi invited him for a bilateral visit to India.
A separate invitation was also extended for Rahman to attend the outreach session of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi in September in his capacity as chair of BIMSTEC (the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation). Bangladesh has not yet confirmed whether Rahman will attend.
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