Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri arrived in Dhaka this morning for the first high-level meeting between India and Bangladesh following the recent political changes here.

A special flight of the Indian Air Force, carrying Misri and other officials, landed at Dhaka airport around 9:00am, diplomatic sources confirmed.

Vikram and Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin are set to lead the Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) at a state guest house at 11:00am.

Following the discussions, Misri is scheduled to meet Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna before departing Dhaka later tonight.

The meeting is expected to address the strains in bilateral relations that have emerged after the Awami League government was ousted through a mass uprising on August 5.

"The FOC will focus on bridging the gap and setting a positive political tone," a diplomatic source in New Delhi told The Daily Star earlier.

Another diplomatic source in Dhaka indicated that Bangladesh is likely to seek India's political support for the interim government led by Yunus.

Relations between the two nations have faced challenges since former prime minister Sheikh Hasina sought refuge in India. These included restricted visas for Bangladeshis, disruptions to Indian-funded connectivity projects, and reduced trade and tourism.

The arrest of a former ISKCON leader Chinmay Krishna Das on charges of sedition and the denial of his bail in late November triggered demonstrations in various parts of India. The Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala also came under attack.

Bangladesh has accused sections of the Indian media and political figures of exaggerating reports of minority attacks and making provocative remarks.

Speaking at an event at the Jatiya Press Club yesterday, Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain expressed hope for progress in this regard.

"India must acknowledge the political changes and work to move the relationship forward," he said, emphasising the need for candid dialogue to resolve issues.

The FOC, an annual meeting alternating between Dhaka and New Delhi, aims to address key aspects of the bilateral relationship, including water sharing, border management, trade, and connectivity. According to foreign ministry Spokesperson Mohammad Rafiqul Alam, these issues are expected to dominate the agenda during today's discussions.