Dhaka: The relationship between Bangladesh and India appears to be regaining momentum, marked by renewed engagement from both sides after a period of sharp deterioration, with both countries now placing greater emphasis on dispelling ‘mistrust’ and replacing it with a foundation of ‘mutual respect and mutual cooperation’.
According to United News of Bangladesh, following the formation of a government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, renewed engagement between Dhaka and New Delhi has become increasingly visible, signaling a potential shift toward more constructive cooperation in the days ahead, a senior government official stated. This re-engagement suggests a mutual willingness to reset the tone of bilateral ties, with both sides prioritizing dialogue, economic collaboration, and regional connectivity.
Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh noted that the Bangladesh-India relationship rests on an enduring foundation of shared sacrifices during the Liberation War. In the lead-up to the election, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar attended the funeral of late Prime Minister Khaleda Zia in Dhaka, while Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the Bangladesh High Commission in Delhi to pay homage to Begum Zia.
Speaker of the Indian Lok Sabha Om Birla and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri attended the new government’s swearing-in ceremony in Dhaka. Bangladesh High Commissioner to India M Riaz Hamidullah met Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. Jaishankar in Delhi, further signaling positive engagement in advancing bilateral ties.
Reports suggest that Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman is expected to visit New Delhi in April, marking his first visit since the new government was formed. Both foreign ministers are scheduled to attend the 9th Indian Ocean Conference in Mauritius from April 10-12, focusing on collective stewardship for Indian Ocean governance.
Relations with the new government in Bangladesh are being seen as a ‘welcome change’, with both sides cautiously rebuilding ties for a stronger partnership. During the interim government, there appeared to be attempts to derail relations with India, but the new government is articulating a vision of ‘Bangladesh First’, emphasizing a pragmatic and mutually beneficial partnership with India.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman reiterated his commitment to maintaining a partnership with India for shared prosperity, focusing on open regionalism and multilateralism. Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma held discussions with key ministers ahead of Eid, exploring new areas of collaboration in sectors aligned with development priorities.
Bangladesh High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah noted that economic transactions between the countries could reach up to 30 billion dollars, emphasizing the potential for shared prosperity through cooperation. The Indian High Commissioner expressed optimism about the future, highlighting the possibility of offering shared prosperity to the region by working together.