IDSA-BIISS dialogue was held in IDSA, Delhi on 9-10 May 2011. The BIISS delegation was led by Major General Muhammad Imrul Quayes.

Amb. Veena Sikri, former Indian high commissioner to Bangladesh, delivered the inaugural address. Dy. High Commissioner of Bangladesh to India delivered the keynote address.

The speakers referred to the ‘spirit of liberation’, the close bond between India and Bangladesh as having a huge potential for bilateral relations. The dialogue covered the themes of international security environment and impact on South Asia, India-Bangladesh trade, investment and water issue, connectivity and infrastructural cooperation, security dynamics, Indo-Bangladesh relations and the way forward.

The speakers noted that India and Bangladesh are at a crossroads. They are poised to make a breakthrough in bilateral relations, which have had a chequered history. Political will will be key to further success in bilateral relations.