India and Bangladesh are discussing the formation of a joint business-to-business task force aimed at expanding bilateral trade and investment, even as diplomatic differences continue to affect relations between the two neighbours. The proposal was highlighted during a meeting in Dhaka between Indian Deputy High Commissioner Pawankumar Tulshidas Badhe and Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) Administrator Md Fazlul Hoque on September 20.
Badhe said the Indian High Commission was maintaining regular communication with the governments of both countries to accelerate the formation of the proposed task force. He also sought cooperation from Bangladesh’s private sector through the FBCCI to make the initiative effective.
The proposed mechanism is intended to bring businesses and relevant stakeholders from both countries closer, while addressing tariff and non-tariff barriers and improving commercial connectivity. Hoque supported the proposal, saying a joint task force could contribute to expanding bilateral trade and strengthening economic cooperation.
The initiative follows earlier discussions between Indian and Bangladeshi business organisations. In August, the Confederation of Indian Industry and FBCCI discussed establishing business-to-business task forces focused on areas including infrastructure investment, emerging technologies, trade and investment cooperation.
The latest discussions come amid broader diplomatic challenges between New Delhi and Dhaka, including disagreements over former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and questions surrounding Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s participation in the BRICS outreach programme. India has said Rahman received an invitation to attend the BRICS summit in his capacity as BIMSTEC chair, alongside a separate invitation for a bilateral visit.
Visa facilitation was also discussed, with Badhe stating that procedures for Bangladeshis travelling to India had been eased and that around 5,000 visas were being issued daily.
