Bangladesh is set to initiate a fresh diplomatic push with India as Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman prepares to lead a high-level delegation to New Delhi on April 7 for a two-day official visit aimed at resetting bilateral relations and advancing key strategic issues.
The visit, the first high-level bilateral engagement since the government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman assumed office, is being closely watched in both Dhaka and New Delhi for its potential to redefine ties between the two neighboring countries.
Diplomatic sources told The Daily Industry that the visit will focus on rebuilding momentum in cooperation, addressing pending issues, and charting a forward-looking roadmap for bilateral engagement.
Focus on Ganges Water Sharing Agreement: One of the central issues expected to dominate discussions is the renewal of the landmark Ganges Water Sharing Treaty, which is set to expire this year after completing its 30-year term.
Officials say both sides may explore options for renewing or revising the agreement to ensure equitable water distribution, particularly during the dry season when water availability becomes a critical concern for Bangladesh.
A senior diplomat told The Daily Industry, “The Ganges treaty is a cornerstone of bilateral cooperation. Its renewal is essential not only for water security but also for maintaining trust between the two countries.” The visit is also expected to revive discussions on the Joint Rivers Commission, which has remained largely inactive in recent years.
High-Level Meetings Scheduled: During the visit, Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with his Indian counterpart S. Jaishankar, potentially at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. The agenda will include a wide range of issues, from political and economic cooperation to regional security and connectivity.
In addition, the Bangladeshi delegation is expected to meet Ajit Doval to discuss security cooperation, as well as sensitive political matters, including the possible return of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in India.
A diplomatic source noted, “Security cooperation remains a key pillar of Bangladesh-India relations. Both sides are likely to discuss intelligence sharing, border management, and broader regional stability.”
Trade, Energy, and Connectivity on Agenda: Economic cooperation will also feature prominently during the visit. Foreign Minister Rahman is scheduled to meet Piyush Goyal to discuss measures to normalize trade relations and potentially initiate talks on a comprehensive economic partnership agreement. Business leaders have long advocated for smoother trade processes, reduction of non-tariff barriers, and improved market access between the two countries. Energy cooperation is another key area of discussion. Talks with Hardeep Singh Puri are expected to focus on the supply of around 50,000 tonnes of diesel from India to Bangladesh.
An energy analyst told The Daily Industry, “Energy cooperation with India has become increasingly important for Bangladesh, especially in the context of global fuel price volatility.”
Visa and People-to-People Connectivity: Bangladesh is also keen to see the resumption of tourist visas from India, which have remained suspended. Sources indicate that India may consider reopening visa services after elections in states such as West Bengal and Assam, possibly from May. A senior official said, “Restoring visa services will be crucial for strengthening people-to-people ties, which are a fundamental aspect of bilateral relations.”
Broader Diplomatic Engagement: Before heading to New Delhi, Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, held meetings with key Indian officials, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. In a post on social media platform X, Jaishankar noted that discussions focused on strengthening bilateral ties, while the Bangladeshi envoy emphasized Dhaka’s commitment to deepening cooperation based on shared interests.
The High Commissioner also met Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and India’s Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi to discuss trade and defense cooperation, including training initiatives.
Delegation and Next Steps: The Bangladeshi delegation will include key officials such as Prime Minister’s foreign affairs adviser Humayun Kabir and senior representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. On April 8, the delegation is expected to participate in multiple meetings, including a breakfast session with heads of diplomatic missions in New Delhi. Following the India visit, Foreign Minister Rahman will travel to Mauritius to attend a ministerial meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association.
A Crucial Diplomatic Moment: Analysts say the visit comes at a critical juncture for Bangladesh-India relations, which have faced challenges in recent years due to political transitions and unresolved issues. A foreign policy expert told The Daily Industry, “This visit is an opportunity to reset the relationship and build a forward-looking agenda. Both countries have much to gain from closer cooperation.”
Outlook: Toward a Renewed Partnership: With key issues such as water sharing, trade, energy cooperation, and security on the table, the upcoming visit is expected to lay the groundwork for a renewed partnership between Dhaka and New Delhi. The possibility of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman undertaking an official visit to India in the near future is also likely to be discussed, signaling a potential deepening of diplomatic engagement at the highest level. As one senior diplomat concluded in remarks to The Daily Industry, “This is not just a routine visit—it is about setting the tone for the next phase of Bangladesh-India relations.”
