Maitri Diwas, observed on 6 December, stands as a powerful reminder of the deep historical ties between India and Bangladesh. Fifty-four years ago, on this very day, India recognized Bangladesh as an independent and sovereign nation, ten days before the country was finally liberated. This singular act of solidarity remains a milestone in the shared history of the two nations, a milestone that cannot be erased.

Sixth December 1971 marks the beginning of a relationship based on empathy and trust that has sustained despite changes, and occasional challenges, and ups and downs.

This day showcases the pride with which the people of India stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the courageous brothers and sisters of Bangladesh in their struggle for freedom. This day is a poignant reminder of the blood shed by the Bir Muktijoddhas and, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with them, by the Indian soldiers for the Liberation of Bangladesh and its great people.

Occasions like Maitri Diwas are profound because they give us an opportunity to reflect on what we have achieved together. These are also the moments when we look forward, rising above distractions, to see new horizons to which we can take our partnership.

Both India and Bangladesh have come a long way since 1971. We are today two fast-growing economies. Our continuous progress and rising aspirations for a better future are creating new opportunities for our cooperation. Today, our bilateral relationship is multifaceted and complementing each other’s national development. Our cooperation is based on the conviction that our progress and prosperity are interlinked.

As a neighbour towards whom India takes a long-term view of its relations, India always seeks a stable, positive, constructive, forward-looking and mutually beneficial relationship with Bangladesh based on equality, mutual sensitivity, and mutual respect and understanding.

India also believes that our people, in both countries, are the main stakeholders of this relationship. And therefore, we are building a partnership that must first and foremost benefit the people of the two countries. Whether it is cross-border transport or power or energy connectivity, or trade and economic links, they are meant for the shared prosperity of our two peoples and their well-being.

Today, our societies and economies are closely linked, so closely that we are interdependent on each other. We cannot grow and progress alone. We want to reinforce these interdependencies that can bind us ever closer in a positive and mutually rewarding manner. We want to transform our geographical proximity into new opportunities driven by our growing capabilities and new ambitions. We are confident that the reality of our interdependence and mutual benefit will continue to keep driving our relationship forward.

Maitri Diwas is a reminder of how much our two countries are connected by a shared history, geography, language, culture and above all, by shared empathy and shared sacrifices. This day is also a reminder of how the depth of this connection between us is a part of the day-to-day lives of our people on both sides of our border. And, for that reason, Maitri Diwas is an affirmation that the bonds India shares with Bangladesh are not transient; they are indeed everlasting.

India stood by the people of Bangladesh in 1971 and will continue to support them, in realizing the vision for a democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive nation. In that spirit, we will work together to fulfil the aspirations of people of both countries and forge closer people-to-people ties, inspired by the shared sacrifices of the past and guided by our new aspirations for the future.

(This article has been adapted from the Indian High Commissioner’s speech delivered on the occasion of Maitri Diwas on 6 December 2025 in Dhaka.)

________________________________________

The writer is the High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh