Bangladesh FM’s India Visit Seen as Key Step to Revive and Strengthen Bilateral Ties

Dhaka: Khalilur Rahman’s goodwill visit to India beginning Tuesday is expected to lay an “important foundation” for deepening cooperation and strengthening bilateral relations, the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry said.

Rahman will travel via New Delhi on his way to attend the Indian Ocean Conference 2026 in Mauritius from April 10 to 12. During his stopover in the Indian capital, he is scheduled to hold courtesy meetings with India’s External Affairs Minister, National Security Advisor, and the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

According to the ministry, these engagements will focus on ensuring stability and sustained development in India-Bangladesh relations, anchored in mutual trust, respect, and shared interests. The visit is also expected to help elevate cooperation into more productive and long-term partnerships. Rahman will be accompanied by Humayun Kabir.

The visit carries added significance as it marks the first trip to India by a Bangladeshi minister since the BNP-led government came to power earlier this year, following a period of strained ties during the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus.

Several key issues are likely to dominate discussions in New Delhi, including the resumption of visa services for Bangladeshi citizens, strengthening energy cooperation, improving border management, resolving pending river water-sharing disputes, and enhancing trade facilitation.

Dhaka is also expected to push for the full restoration of visa services, which have remained partially suspended since July 2024 due to security concerns. The restrictions have impacted sectors such as medical tourism, which traditionally sees significant movement of Bangladeshi citizens to India.

In parallel diplomatic engagements, India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Pranay Verma, recently met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to explore ways to expand cooperation. India reiterated its intent to build ties through a positive and forward-looking approach based on mutual benefit.

Additionally, Bangladesh’s envoy to India, Riaz Hamidullah, held talks with Indian Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi in New Delhi, focusing on enhancing defence cooperation and joint training initiatives aimed at promoting regional peace and security.

With inputs from IANS