India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq in Dhaka on Wednesday, marking a rare interaction between senior officials of the two countries amid strained relations. The brief meeting took place at the residence of late former Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia, where both leaders were present to offer condolences.
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According to officials, Jaishankar approached Ayaz Sadiq at his seat, shook hands with him and exchanged smiles and pleasantries. The two held a short conversation in what observers described as a courteous and informal interaction. The meeting is being seen as the first high-level contact between Pakistan and India since tensions escalated following skirmishes in May this year.
Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan met Mr. Tarique Rahman, Acting Chairman BNP. Conveyed heartfelt condolences on behalf of the President, Prime Minister, Field Marshal and people of Pakistan on the sad demise of Begum Khaleda Zia.@ForeignOfficePk@bdbnp78 pic.twitter.com/3H4TidSOL7
— Pakistan High Commission Bangladesh (@PakinBangladesh) December 31, 2025
Speaker Ayaz Sadiq was in Dhaka to represent Pakistan at the state funeral of Begum Khaleda Zia, who passed away on Tuesday after a prolonged illness. During his visit, he met Khaleda Zia’s son, Tarique Rahman, and her daughter to convey deep sorrow and condolences on behalf of the people and leadership of Pakistan. The family thanked the NA Speaker for attending the funeral prayers and expressing solidarity during their time of grief.
In addition to attending funeral rites, Ayaz Sadiq also held meetings with senior Bangladeshi officials. He met Bangladesh’s National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman and conveyed condolences on behalf of Pakistan’s President and Prime Minister. The discussion reflected Pakistan’s official stance of sharing grief with Bangladesh over the loss of one of its most prominent political leaders.
The NA Speaker also met Bangladesh’s Law Adviser, during which matters of mutual interest and bilateral cooperation were discussed. While no formal talks were scheduled with Indian officials, the brief exchange between Jaishankar and Ayaz Sadiq drew attention due to the broader regional context.
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Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh’s first female prime minister, remained a central figure in the country’s politics for decades. Her funeral brought together regional and international dignitaries, creating a rare setting for diplomatic encounters on the sidelines of a solemn occasion.