New Delhi (TDI): Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman held talks with his Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in New Delhi on Wednesday, marking the most senior-level visit from Dhaka since the political changes that followed the 2024 uprising, which led to the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, a long-time ally of India.
The Bangladeshi delegation, led by Khalilur Rahman, is on what has been described as a goodwill visit, according to Bangladesh’s state news agency. The visit is expected to cover a range of bilateral issues, including extradition requests, trade relations, water-sharing arrangements, and border security concerns.
The discussions come at a time when ties between Bangladesh and India are gradually improving following political changes in Dhaka. Relations had been strained after the transition of power that followed the uprising, which resulted in Hasina leaving office and relocating to India, where she has reportedly remained since.
India’s Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar hosted his Bangladeshi counterpart and noted that both sides discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral relations. However, he did not provide additional details about the content of their talks.
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Earlier engagements between the two sides included Jaishankar’s visit to Dhaka in December to attend a high-profile event. Since then, diplomatic engagement has continued at a cautious but steady pace, reflecting efforts to stabilize relations after a period of political transition in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh has continued to press for the extradition of Sheikh Hasina, who was later sentenced in absentia over her alleged role in a crackdown during the unrest. Meanwhile, the new leadership in Dhaka, associated with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party under Tarique Rahman, has taken office following recent elections.
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In addition to political and security discussions, Bangladesh is also expected to seek increased energy cooperation with India, particularly as it faces economic pressures and seeks alternatives amid disruptions linked to broader global tensions, including conflicts in the Middle East.
Overall, the visit is seen as an important step in re-engaging diplomatic channels between the two neighboring countries and addressing longstanding issues through dialogue.
