Indian High Commissioner to Dhaka Pranay Verma has reiterated his support for a peaceful Bangladesh. He said, "We have supported and will continue to support a democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh."

He made this statement at a reception for India's 77th Republic Day at a hotel in the capital on Saturday (January 24).

Prannoy Verma said, On January 26, 1950, the people of newly-independent India framed a new constitution for themselves; declared their country a sovereign republic and committed themselves to the ideals of justice, liberty, equality and dignity for all.

Since then, in the past 76 years, India has grown from a poor country to the world's largest democracy and one of the largest economies—a modern, confident nation that today contributes to global progress and provides solutions to global challenges.

He said, "Bangladesh has been an important companion in our journey. We share a special relationship with an unforgettable history of joint sacrifice during Bangladesh's independence struggle in 1971."

The Indian High Commissioner said, "Our common love for literature, music and the arts defines our bond. From figures like Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam—whose writings connect our culture and literature—to the rich traditions of dance, drama and cinema, the people of our two countries share a deep cultural affinity."

He said, "Over the years, our mutual exchanges and mutual interdependence have become stronger in a rapidly changing context of connectivity and economic integration, bringing our societies, people, and businesses closer together."

Prannoy Verma said, a cross-border pipeline to transport high-speed diesel from an Indian refinery to Bangladesh; a cross-border power transmission line bringing electricity from both India and Nepal to Bangladesh through the Indian grid – these are some examples that prove that together we have laid the foundation for energy connectivity, which is truly advancing regional economic integration.

He said, "Our supply chain is strengthening Bangladesh's thriving ready-made garment industry and pharmaceuticals sector, which proves the benefits of mutual cooperation and interdependence."

"There are countless examples of how our partnership has brought benefits to people and businesses on both sides."

"Moving forward, these successes inspire us to explore more forward-looking and future-proof ways of cooperation, cooperation that is based on our shared aspirations for prosperity, progress, and partnership," he said.

He said, a partnership that is nurtured and sustainably maintained by mutual interests, mutual benefits, and mutual sensitivity.

Prannoy Verma said, "Today, as two fast-growing economies and ambitious societies driven by young, skilled and innovative populations, India and Bangladesh have the potential to become catalysts for each other's sustainable growth, enablers of each other's future prosperity, and the foundation of strong regional integration."

The Indian High Commissioner said, "Together we can build regional value chains, shared digital ecosystems and energy corridors that will drive the development of both our economies. Together we can ensure that our region's energy future is clean, affordable and secure. Together we can work towards environmental sustainability for our shared ecosystem and address the common challenges of climate change."

He said, "Today, as we come together to celebrate India's Republic Day, we reaffirm the value of our long-standing partnership with Bangladesh and wish the people of Bangladesh peace, prosperity and success in their future journey."