DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENT

Bangladesh’s relationship with India or China is not a zero-sum game, Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman has said, assuring that any concerns India may have in this regard should be put to rest.

A zero‑sum game in international relations refers to a situation where one country’s gain equals another’s loss, often leading to competition over cooperation.

“Our relationship with India or China is not a zero‑sum game. If there are worries, we expect our Indian friends to state them clearly with specifics,” Khalilur told Indian media during his visit to Mauritius on Friday.

He discussed various aspects of Indo‑Bangla ties, which saw strains during the interim government but are now moving toward improvement.

During his April 7–9 visit to New Delhi, Khalilur met Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval before flying to Mauritius to attend the Indian Ocean Conference.

In a separate interview with The Hindu in Port Louis, he mentioned a possible visit by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to India.

“There will be a visit, but we have not yet finalised the dates. In the run‑up to the visit, there will be many activities,” he said, as he elaborated on how Bangladesh wants to improve relations slowly but surely.

Speaking to NDTV, Khalilur stressed: “Our relations with other countries are not at the cost of India. We cooperate fruitfully with China and do brisk business with India. We have negative trade [trade deficit] with both countries. These are dictated by market prices.”

“Let us put these worries to rest and not view these relationships in ways that do not help. If there are issues, let us work together. Tell us if there is any specific problem,” he said, adding that both countries are willing to engage and move forward.

“However, success must be based on trust and Amid On

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