Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman is set to arrive in New Delhi today on what Dhaka has described as a “goodwill visit,” aimed at revitalising bilateral ties between the two countries.
During his April 7–9 visit, Rahman will hold bilateral talks with India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. He is also expected to meet National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, according to Bangladesh Sanghbad Sangstha (BSS).
The trip marks the first visit to New Delhi by a Bangladeshi minister since the BNP-led government assumed office in February this year. Officials say the visit comes amid a shifting political landscape, with Dhaka seeking to elevate previously strained ties with India to a more constructive and mutually beneficial footing.
A key issue expected to be raised during the talks is the full resumption of visa services for Bangladeshi nationals. Dhaka is likely to emphasise the importance of easing travel restrictions, particularly to support medical tourism.
Both sides are also expected to discuss a range of strategic issues, including border management, energy cooperation—such as cross-border electricity trade and fuel supply—and broader efforts to enhance connectivity and economic integration, reports BSS.
Water-sharing of common rivers will also feature in discussions, with the renewal of the Ganges Water Treaty, set to expire later this year, likely to be a key topic, reports BSS.
Trade facilitation measures, including reducing non-tariff barriers and improving logistics connectivity, are also on the agenda as both countries look to unlock greater economic potential.
Following his engagements in India, Rahman is scheduled to travel to Port Louis to attend the Indian Ocean Conference from April 10 to 12. He will be accompanied during the India leg of the visit by Humayun Kabir, Foreign Affairs Adviser to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
