Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman is set to arrive in New Delhi on Tuesday for a three-day official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh.
During the visit, Rahman will hold detailed discussions with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. He is also expected to meet National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri as part of his high-level engagements.
The visit carries significance as it marks the first trip by a Bangladeshi minister to India since the BNP-led government took office in February. It signals a possible recalibration in ties following a period of strain during the tenure of Muhammad Yunus, which saw tensions rise over attacks on Hindu minorities and anti-India rhetoric.
Key issues expected to be discussed include resumption of visa services for Bangladeshi citizens, strengthening energy cooperation, improving border management, resolving pending river water-sharing matters, and enhancing trade facilitation.
Visa Concerns And Strategic Engagement
Rahman will be accompanied by Humayun Kabir, underlining the importance Dhaka attaches to the visit. Reports indicate Bangladesh may push for a more proactive approach from India to fully restore visa services, highlighting the economic and social impacts, particularly on medical tourism.
Tourist visas for Bangladeshi nationals have remained suspended since July 2024 due to security concerns, while visa centres have been operating with limited staff following incidents of violence outside Indian facilities, according to The Dhaka Tribune.
In parallel developments, the Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Pranay Verma, recently met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to discuss strengthening bilateral engagement.
Defence ties have also seen momentum, with Bangladesh High Commissioner to India M. Riaz Hamidullah meeting Indian Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi in New Delhi to explore enhanced cooperation, including joint training initiatives aimed at promoting regional peace and security.
Also Read: Rajya Sabha Chairman Declines Motion Seeking Removal Of Chief Election Commissioner
To read more such news, download Bharat Express news apps
