Shillong, May 17: Conrad Sangma said India and Bangladesh have initiated dialogue at the local level to improve bilateral relations, while stressing the importance of restoring trade activities, border haats and cultural exchanges between the neighbouring countries.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the North East India Infrastructure Summit and Exhibition curtain raiser event in Shillong, Sangma said communication between stakeholders had already begun despite recent challenges in relations between the two nations.
“It is already happening. The process has started. Dialogues are taking place at the local level, people are talking and discussing,” he said while responding to questions on India-Bangladesh engagement.
The Meghalaya Chief Minister expressed confidence that the current phase of tension was temporary and said long-term cooperation would benefit both countries. “I firmly believe the current phase with Bangladesh is temporary, but in the long run, we will have to work with Bangladesh. This is good for us and Bangladesh as well, and I believe there is huge potential and opportunities,” he said.
Relations between New Delhi and Dhaka had witnessed a slowdown following the removal of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the subsequent political transition in Bangladesh, resulting in reduced high-level engagements for several months.
Sangma noted that efforts to rebuild communication had gradually resumed. He referred to the April visit of Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman to New Delhi along with Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir as part of ongoing diplomatic engagement.
The Chief Minister also advocated reopening border haats that were shut following political unrest in Bangladesh in 2024, stating that restoring traditional trade and economic exchanges could significantly support the economy of the northeastern region.
“I think the normal economic activities that used to take place, whether it is just the basic border haats, or the movement of basic trade that used to take place earlier, should be reactivated,” he said.
Sangma further highlighted the importance of regional connectivity initiatives, particularly a proposed corridor linking Hili in West Bengal with Mahendraganj in Meghalaya through Bangladesh. According to him, improved connectivity to Chittagong port could reduce transportation costs and significantly improve logistics across the Northeast.
At the same time, he emphasised that issues related to infiltration and illegal immigration must be addressed through strong safeguards and effective monitoring mechanisms.
Commenting on border fencing efforts in West Bengal, Sangma said national security and people-to-people relations should be viewed independently. “Border is for our protection, for our safety and national interests,” he said, adding that social and cultural ties could continue even with physical border infrastructure in place.
The Chief Minister also commented on the situation in Manipur, describing the ongoing ethnic unrest as increasingly complex due to recent tensions involving Kuki and Naga groups. However, he expressed hope that the situation would improve.
Rejecting criticism regarding the Centre’s political engagement in Manipur, Sangma said the Union government had remained in regular contact with stakeholders and political parties, including the National People’s Party.
“We only see it from the point of visits, but visits are not the only way to show concern,” he said, adding that both he and his party had been extensively consulted on developments related to the situation in Manipur, including discussions concerning President’s Rule.
