Outgoing Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma has said Bangladesh and India need a new, future-oriented agenda aligned with their evolving capabilities, aspirations and national development priorities.

“As the two largest economies of the region, we both have to be the anchors for closer regional integration,” he said in a farewell message ahead of leaving Dhaka after a four-year posting.

Pranay, who joined the mission in September 2022 and witnessed three governments during his tenure, has been appointed India’s ambassador to Belgium and the European Union. Today, he paid a farewell call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, reaffirming India’s willingness to deepen multifaceted engagement with Bangladesh.

The premier thanked him for his contributions and wished him success in his new assignment.

In his statement, Pranay said Bangladesh-India relations is “special and unique,” rooted in shared geography, history, language and traditions, and deepened by the sacrifices of 1971. He stressed that a prosperous Bangladesh is in India’s interest as much as a prosperous India benefits Bangladesh, adding that cooperation is critical to address shared challenges such as climate change.

Highlighting the need for a new agenda driven by cultural and economic linkages, Pranay said geographical proximity should be seen as an asset to create opportunities. He expressed optimism that well-wishers of both countries would build on this shared vision.

Reflecting on his time in Dhaka, Pranay said the posting would remain etched in memory for him and his wife due to the friendships and warmth they received. “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,” the outgoing Indian high commissioner said.