New delhi: Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman is set to engage in significant bilateral discussions in New Delhi, leveraging a brief stopover on his way to the Indian Ocean Conference in Mauritius, scheduled for April 10-12.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the foreign ministry’s spokesperson, SM Mahbubul Alam, revealed that Dr Rahman will have courtesy meetings with India’s External Affairs Minister, National Security Adviser, and Petroleum Minister during his transit. These discussions aim to strengthen bilateral relations through mutual respect, trust, and shared interests, emphasizing stability and continuity in cooperation.
The visit, which marks the first by a Bangladeshi minister to Delhi since the BNP government took office, is seen as a pivotal moment to elevate Bangladesh-India cooperation to a more productive and sustainable level. Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir will accompany Dr Rahman in both the India stopover and the Mauritius conference.
In a new political context, Dhaka is keen on transforming previously strained ties with New Delhi into a mutually beneficial relationship, guided by a “Bangladesh first” approach. As part of this effort, Bangladesh is expected to reiterate its request for the extradition of deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina and other accused individuals in connection with the killing of Shahid Sharif Osman Bin Hadi. A top official emphasized Dhaka’s focus on legal cooperation, expressing hope for their prompt return.
Additionally, Bangladesh plans to urge India to adopt a more positive stance on the full resumption of visa services for its nationals, highlighting the benefits of medical tourism. Border management will also be a key topic, with Bangladesh calling for enhanced coordination to prevent loss of life along the frontier.
Energy cooperation, including cross-border power trade and fuel supply, will be discussed alongside efforts to strengthen connectivity and economic integration. The long-pending Teesta water-sharing agreement and the renewal of the Ganges Water Treaty are expected to be raised as key issues. Furthermore, trade facilitation measures, such as easing non-tariff barriers and improving logistics connectivity, will be on the agenda to unlock greater economic potential between the two nations.