Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman is set to visit New Delhi for a three-day official trip aimed at strengthening ties between India and Bangladesh. Rahman will engage in detailed discussions with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar during his visit. Additionally, he is scheduled to meet with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri as part of his high-level engagements in the capital.
The visit holds significance as it marks the first official visit by a Bangladeshi Minister to India since the BNP-led government took office in February. This visit signifies a shift in the recalibration of India-Bangladesh relations, which had faced strains during the previous government’s tenure. Key topics expected to be discussed include the resumption of visa services for Bangladeshi citizens, energy cooperation, border management, river water-sharing issues, and trade facilitation measures.
Accompanying Rahman will be Humayun Kabir, Foreign Affairs Advisor to Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, underscoring the importance Dhaka places on this visit. Reports from Bangladeshi media suggest that Dhaka will urge India for a more positive stance on restoring visa services and emphasize the economic and social benefits tied to medical tourism, impacted by current restrictions.
Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma recently met with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to explore avenues for enhancing bilateral engagement. Verma expressed India’s commitment to strengthening ties through a constructive approach based on shared interests. Notably, defense cooperation between the two countries has also seen progress, with discussions on joint training initiatives and regional security.
