India-Bangladesh

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India terms Bangladesh election as an 'internal matter'

In a press briefing after the dialogue, he said, "We have discussed extensively on regional issues and as Bangladesh is concerned, we have expressed our views very clearly in the dialogue. Indian Defense Secretary Armane Giridha and MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi were among others present at the briefing."

When he was asked whether Bangladesh was discussed in the dialogue on recent political developments and electoral issues, Kwatra said, "It is not our (India's) place to comment on the policies of a third country. Elections in Bangladesh are their internal affairs and the people of Bangladesh will decide their future."

He further said, "As a close friend and partner of Bangladesh, we respect the democratic process in Bangladesh and will continue to support the realization of the country's dream as a stable, peaceful and progressive nation."

Responding to various questions from the media, he said that the two sides will discuss bilateral contacts, multilateral and regional issues, trade and investment partnership, value supply chain securitization, common challenges of India and the US and how to exploit various opportunities during the 5th meeting of the India-US 2 Plus 2 Ministerial Dialogue. It has been extensively reviewed.

The Foreign Secretary said the dialogue extensively discussed the India-East-Europe Economic Corridor, including the enhanced connectivity, continued and growing cooperation under the Quad, Indo-Pacific Partnership and India's leadership perspective in the Global South.

The American delegation to the ministerial dialogue was led by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. On the other hand, Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh led the Indian side.