Srinagar, Jan. 1 -- Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah lauded External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's Bangladesh visit to attend former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's funeral, calling Dhaka "an old friend."

Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Abduallah noted that Jaishankar's visit will boost India-Bangladesh ties.

"I am happy that our foreign affairs minister has gone there and taken part in it [Khaleda Zia's funeral]. Bangladesh is an old friend of ours, and we should take it forward. It will give a boost to it," he said.

On Wednesday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, during his visit to Dhaka, conveyed the condolences of the people and government of India as Banglad...