India on Wednesday said 'positive trends' were emerging in its relations with Bangladesh and the two countries now had the chance to overcome politics that for a long period hindered the desired cooperation.
New Delhi also said it expected Bangladesh's political parties to resolve their outstanding differences without any 'external intervention.'
Foreign Secretary Shiv Shanker Menon told a gathering at a conclave on India-Bangladesh relations that he saw 'positive trends' in Dhaka-New Delhi relations and expected it to become stronger in days to come.
"We have now the chances to overcome politics that for a long period hindered our cooperation as expected," he said, referring to a 'changing' scenario in South Asian relations, a day after the conclusion of Indo-Bangladesh foreign secretary level talks.
Menon also said a peaceful, stable, democratic and prosperous Bangladesh is in India's own national interest.
Stating that India 'fully respects' Bangladesh's independence and sovereignty, he said
"People and political parties need to resolve their outstanding issues through discussions and dialogue among themselves rather than through external intervention or pressure."
Menon's comments came after major political parties in Bangladesh witnessed dissident leaders waging a campaign for democratisation of the outfits following an anti-corruption drive by the interim administration of Fakhruddin Ahmed.
Menon also stressed the need to break out of the 'sterile patterns of some of our relationships in South Asia and to put in place the building blocks of a true South Asian community.'
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