NEW DELHI: Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Riaz Hamidullah met Chief of Army Staff Upendra Dwivedi in New Delhi to discuss defence ties between the two countries. The meeting focused on ways to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation, including joint training initiatives and deeper coordination. In a post on X, the Indian Army’s Additional Directorate General of Public Information said, “H E Mr M Hamidullah, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to India, called on General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS. During the interaction, they deliberated on enhancing bilateral defence cooperation, including joint training initiatives. They also explored opportunities for deeper collaboration aimed at promoting regional peace and security.” Hamidullah also shared details of the meeting, saying, “Pleased to meet Gen. Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Army Staff (Indian Army), at South Block; and reflected on Bangladesh-India ties, including defence collaboration.” The meeting follows recent remarks by Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, who highlighted the strength of India-Bangladesh relations. Speaking at an event marking Bangladesh’s Independence Day at the High Commission in New Delhi, he described the partnership as strategic, resilient and focused on people. Singh said Bangladesh’s Independence Day “stands as a testament to the spirit of self-determination and the extraordinary resilience” of its people. He also referred to the shared legacy of the 1971 Liberation War and said these ties continue to shape cooperation between the two countries. “These profound bonds of solidarity continue to underpin our bilateral partnership, which is grounded in trust, shared values, and a common commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in our region,” he said.