Finance
Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday evening for a “goodwill visit” that Dhaka said is expected to establish a “important foundation” for lifting bilateral cooperation to more productive and sustainable heights in the future.
“Warm welcome to FM Khalilur Rahman of Bangladesh on his arrival in New Delhi today. India and Bangladesh share warm and historic ties anchored in strong people to people relations. The visit will further bolster India Bangladesh partnership,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) posted on X.
According to the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry, Rahman will participate in the Indian Ocean Conference scheduled to be held in Mauritius on April 10-12, 2026 and, en route, is making a stopover in New Delhi.
“There, he is scheduled to take part in courtesy meetings with India’s Foreign Minister, National Security Advisor, and Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas. These meetings will emphasise the stability and sustained development of bilateral relations based on mutual respect, trust, and shared interests,” read a statement issued by Dhaka ahead of the minister’s departure.
“This visit is expected to lay an important foundation for elevating the areas of cooperation between Bangladesh and India to more productive and sustainable levels in the future. It is noteworthy that Humayun Kabir, Advisor to the Hon’ble Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, will accompany the Hon’ble Foreign Minister on the Mauritius conference and India visit,” it added.
The trip is significant because it is the first visit to India by a Bangladeshi minister since the BNP-led government took office in February, indicating a shift in the rebalancing of India-Bangladesh relations, which had become strained during the 18-month tenure of the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus amid escalating attacks on Hindu minorities and anti-India rhetoric.
The resumption of visa services for Bangladeshi citizens, enhancing energy cooperation, strengthening border management mechanisms, resolving pending river water-sharing issues, and increasing trade facilitation measures are expected to dominate discussions during Rahman’s visit to New Delhi.
According to reports in the Bangladeshi media, Dhaka is expected to press for a more positive and proactive approach from India towards the complete restoration of visa services. The Bangladeshi side is also likely to highlight the economic and social benefits linked to medical tourism, which has been impacted by the current restrictions.
Tourist permits for Bangladeshi nationals have been suspended since July 2024, due to security concerns. Additionally, visa processing centers in Bangladesh have been functioning with reduced staff following incidences of rioting and vandalism reported outside Indian facilities, according to sources published in the main Bangladeshi daily ‘Dhaka Tribune’ ahead of Rahman’s visit.
On Monday, India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Pranay Verma, met with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral engagement and cooperation in critical sectors.
During the discussion, Verma highlighted India’s commitment to strengthen ties by taking a “positive, constructive, and forward-looking approach” based on common interests and mutual benefit.
Riaz Hamidullah, Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India, met with Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi in New Delhi last week to discuss ways to improve defense collaboration, including collaborative training efforts.
They discussed ways to strengthen partnership to enhance regional peace and security.
