New Delhi, April 7: Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalidur Rahman is set to arrive in New Delhi today for a three-day official visit. The primary focus of this trip is to strengthen the bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh. Rahman is expected to land in the Indian capital at 5:45 PM.
During his visit, Rahman will engage in detailed discussions with India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar. Additionally, he may hold high-level meetings with India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri.
Notably, this marks the first visit by a Bangladeshi minister to India since the parliamentary elections in Bangladesh on February 12, where the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured a significant victory. This visit signifies a potential shift in relations between the two nations, especially after tensions arose during the 18-month tenure of the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, marked by increased attacks on Hindu minorities and anti-India rhetoric.
Key topics for discussion during the meetings may include the resumption of visa services for Bangladeshi citizens, enhancing energy cooperation, strengthening border management systems, resolving pending issues related to water sharing, and promoting trade facilitation.
Accompanying Rahman will be Humayun Kabir, the Foreign Affairs Advisor to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, highlighting the importance Dhaka places on this visit.
According to reports from Bangladeshi media, Dhaka is likely to press for a more positive and proactive stance from India regarding the complete restoration of visa services. The Bangladeshi side may also emphasize the economic and social benefits of medical tourism, which have been affected by current restrictions.
It is important to note that tourist visas for Bangladeshi citizens have been suspended since July 2024 due to security concerns. Furthermore, the Dhaka Tribune reported that visa processing centers in Bangladesh are operating with reduced staff following incidents of violence and vandalism outside Indian locations.
In a related development, Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma met with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday, where both sides discussed ways to enhance mutual engagement and cooperation in specific sectors.
During the meeting, Verma expressed India’s desire to deepen relations based on shared interests and mutual benefits through a “positive, constructive, and forward-thinking approach.”
Meanwhile, diplomatic discussions between the two countries have also expanded into defense cooperation. Last week, Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India, M. Riaz Hamidullah, met with Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi in New Delhi to discuss enhancing defense collaboration, including joint training initiatives, and explore opportunities for deeper cooperation to promote regional peace and security.
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