Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman arrives in New Delhi today (7 April) to reset bilateral relations, marking the first structured political engagement between Bangladesh and India since Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s new government assumed power.
Accompanied by advisor Humayun Kabir, Rahman will hold key meetings with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.
The visit is primarily exploratory. After a year and a half of strained ties—particularly during the interim administration of Muhammad Yunus—both Dhaka and New Delhi are trying to outline a roadmap for a forward-looking relationship built on mutual trust.
Key Agenda: Energy, Infrastructure, and Security A central focus of the talks will be reviving economic cooperation. Top of the list is expanding energy ties. The two nations have maintained a diesel supply agreement since 2017, and officials will explore ways to broaden this framework amid regional energy challenges.
The delegation will also focus on accelerating cross-border railway and roadway projects that were paused or slowed down during Bangladesh's interim government phase.
Beyond infrastructure, both sides have a complex set of issues to navigate. These include visa processing, cross-border trade, security cooperation, the repatriation of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and critical negotiations over the Ganges water treaty, which expires this December.
Additionally, Rahman is expected to seek India’s backing for his nomination for the presidency of the UN General Assembly for 2026–2027.
