NewKerala.com

Bangladesh FM Visits India to Reset Ties, Focus on Visas & Trade

Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman is on a three-day visit to India, marking the first ministerial visit since the new government took office in Dhaka. His agenda includes high-level meetings with Indian counterparts to discuss key issues like the resumption of visa services, energy cooperation, and trade facilitation. The visit aims to recalibrate bilateral relations, which had faced strain in recent years. The Bangladeshi delegation is also expected to highlight the impact of visa restrictions on areas like medical tourism.

Key Points: Bangladesh FM Visits India to Strengthen Bilateral Relations

  • First visit by Bangladeshi Minister since new govt
  • Talks on resuming visa services for Bangladeshis
  • Focus on energy, trade, and border management
  • Defence cooperation also on the agenda
3 min read

Bangladesh FM Khalilur Rahman to visit India today

Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman visits India for talks on visas, trade, and energy with EAM Jaishankar, signaling a reset in ties.

"positive, constructive and forward-looking approach - Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma"

New Delhi/Dhaka, April 7 Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman is scheduled to arrive in New Delhi on Tuesday for a three-day official visit focused on reinforcing bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh.

During the visit, Rahman will hold detailed discussions with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.

In addition, he is expected to call on National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri as part of his high-level engagements in the capital.

The trip assumes significance as it is the first visit by a Bangladeshi Minister to India since the BNP-led government assumed office in February, indicating a shift in the recalibration of India and Bangladesh ties, which had strained during the eighteen-month tenure of the former Muhammad Yunus-led interim government amid escalating attacks on Hindu minorities and anti-India rhetoric.

Key issues likely to dominate the discussions include the resumption of visa services for Bangladeshi citizens, enhancing energy cooperation, strengthening border management mechanisms, resolving pending matters related to river water-sharing, and boosting trade facilitation measures.

Rahman will be accompanied by Humayun Kabir, Foreign Affairs Advisor to Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, reflecting the importance Dhaka is placing on the visit.

According to reports in Bangladeshi media, Dhaka is expected to press for a more positive and proactive approach from India towards the complete restoration of visa services. The Bangladeshi side is also likely to highlight the economic and social benefits linked to medical tourism, which has been impacted by the current restrictions.

Tourist visas for Bangladeshi nationals have remained suspended since July 2024, citing security concerns. Additionally, visa processing centres in Bangladesh have been operating with limited staff following incidents of violence and vandalism reported outside Indian facilities, sources were quoted as saying by leading Bangladeshi daily The Dhaka Tribune.

In a related development, earlier on Monday, Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma called on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, where both sides discussed ways to enhance bilateral engagement and cooperation across key sectors.

During the meeting, Verma expressed India's willingness to deepen ties through a "positive, constructive and forward-looking approach" built on shared interest and mutual benefit.

Meanwhile, diplomatic interactions between the two countries have also extended to defence cooperation.

Last week, Bangladesh's High Commissioner to India, M. Riaz Hamidullah, held a meeting with Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi in New Delhi and discussed enhancing defence cooperation, including joint training initiatives.

They discussed opportunities for deeper collaboration to promote regional peace and security.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see engagement resuming with the new government. The visa issue is tricky but we must find a balanced solution. Many Bangladeshis come for medical treatment – it's a genuine need and also benefits our hospitals economically.
R
Rohit P
Security concerns are paramount. The suspension of tourist visas happened for a reason after the vandalism at our facilities. Any resumption must come with iron-clad guarantees for the safety of our diplomatic staff. National security first.
S
Sarah B
As an observer, I hope the talks on river water-sharing are productive. It's a critical issue for farmers and communities on both sides. Sustainable and fair agreements are needed for long-term peace.
V
Vikram M
Energy cooperation is a win-win. We can supply power, they have potential for renewable projects. Let's move beyond politics and focus on these practical areas that improve lives. The defence cooperation news is also very positive.
K
Karthik V
While fostering good relations, India must also firmly raise the issue of protection for minority communities in Bangladesh. The article mentions past tensions. A stable, secular Bangladesh is in everyone's interest.
M
Michael C
Constructive diplomacy is always welcome. The "forward-looking approach" mentioned by the High Commissioner is the right tone. Hope both sides can build trust and address the pending issues pragmatically.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50