India Names Dinesh Trivedi High Commissioner to Bangladesh

India has selected former Union Minister Dinesh Trivedi as its next High Commissioner to Bangladesh, marking a notable departure from the usual practice of appointing career diplomats to the post. The 75-year-old politician from West Bengal will replace Pranay Verma, who was named India's ambassador to Belgium and the European Union on April 10. Sources indicate that Bangladesh is processing the formal agreement for Trivedi's appointment, with an official announcement expected soon.

Trivedi brings a long history in public service to the role. He served as Union Minister for Railways and Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare during the United Progressive Alliance government. Elected to Parliament from the Barrackpore constituency in West Bengal, he was initially with the Trinamool Congress before resigning in February 2021 and joining the Bharatiya Janata Party the following month. His experience in governance and familiarity with regional dynamics, including his Bengali heritage, are viewed as assets for managing bilateral relations.

The appointment comes amid ongoing efforts to restore ties between India and Bangladesh, which deteriorated after the ouster of Prime...