Bangladesh’s newly elected BNP government has initiated its first high-level diplomatic outreach with India, as Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman arrived in Delhi. This marks the first major political engagement with India since Prime Minister Tariq Rahman’s government assumed office in February. The minister is in India for a two-day official visit.
Meeting with National Security Advisers
Khalilur Rahman, who served as the National Security Adviser during the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, is scheduled to meet Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. The two had previously held discussions in Delhi last November.
Official Talks with Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar
On Wednesday, Khalilur Rahman will hold official talks with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. In addition, he is expected to meet Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, according to diplomatic sources.
Focus on Future Bilateral Relations
Ahead of the visit, Khalilur Rahman emphasized that the discussions will focus on shaping the future trajectory of Bangladesh-India relations. “Bangladesh seeks a relationship with India grounded in mutual respect, understanding, and shared interests,” he said.
Preparatory Discussions in Dhaka
Prior to his departure, on Monday, Bangladesh’s Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma met with Prime Minister Tariq Rahman. They discussed cooperation in public health, trade, energy, technological collaboration, and connectivity.
This visit is particularly significant against the backdrop of shifts in diplomatic ties between India and Bangladesh following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government in August 2024.
