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Force in New Delhi, said the ministry release.

The two leaders also exchanged views on other bilateral issues of mutual interest and concern, the ministry stated.

Reflecting on their last meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in September 2024, they noted that since then, the two nations have engaged in multiple bilateral dialogues, including the Foreign Office Consultations at the Foreign Secretary level in Dhaka on December 9.

Besides, they recalled Bangladesh energy adviser’s participation in the India Energy Week events in New Delhi from February 10 to 11.

Adviser Touhid also held meetings with the second minister of foreign affairs of Brunei, the vice minister of foreign affairs of Vietnam, and the deputy minister of foreign affairs of Tanzania on the sidelines of the IOC.

Earlier in the day, Touhid yesterday laid emphasis on facilitating maritime connectivity and reducing trade barrier to ensure a brighter, more prosperous future for all nations of the Indian Ocean and beyond.

“We need to facilitate maritime connectivity, reduce the trade barriers,” he said when speaking at a plenary session titled “Strengthening Maritime Supply Chains: Overcoming Disruptions and Enhancing Resilience” at the IOC.

The adviser said that Bangladesh places strong importance on maritime cooperation for facilitating the efficient movement of goods, services and people, for advancing food security, energy security, water cooperation, disaster risk reduction and providing fair access to global public goods.

The adviser pointed out that global economy, food security, and energy supplies are at increasing risk due to vulnerabilities at key maritime routes.