FM’s visit to New Delhi next month
Bangladesh is likely to discuss energy, water, border killing and visa issues and prospective visit of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to India during the upcoming meeting between Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman and India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar in the coming month, sources in Dhaka, New Delhi and Mumbai said, a press release said.
Bangladesh-India relations suffered a lot during the last tenure of the interim government, headed by Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus.
Both Dhaka and New Delhi have expressed desire to rebuild and regroup the relations based on mutual trust, respect and dignity after the Bangladesh Nationalist Parliament (BNP) swept the two-thirds majority in the parliament election held on February 12,2026.
Dhaka and New Delhi are likely to discuss the prospective schedule of Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit to India at a mutually convenient time.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has formally invited Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to visit India at a mutually convenient time.
In his letter, Modi conveyed warm regards to PM Tarique’s wife Dr Zubaida Rahman, and daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman, expressing hope that they would accompany Tarique on the visit.
“A warm welcome awaits you in India,” Modi wrote, highlighting his commitment to further strengthening the longstanding ties and cooperation between the two neighboring countries. Modi also congratulated Tarique Rahman on his electoral victory, describing it as a clear testament to the trust and confidence the people of Bangladesh have placed in his leadership.
Amid the Middle East conflict since February 28, 2026, Bangladesh has requested India to supply additional fuel as it faces potential energy shortages.
Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku during a meeting with Indian High Commissioner Pranay Kumar Vermaa at the secretariat sought the Indian cooperation in this regard
The Indian High Commissioner noted that India and Bangladesh already maintain strong energy connectivity.
The 30-year Ganga Treaty between Dhaka and New Delhi will expire on December 31, 2026 as Bangladesh is likely to seek extension of the treaty with view to getting water supply during the meeting.
Both counties are likely to discuss water sharing of 54 rivers including the signing of a treaty on sharing of water of Teesta river
During the meeting Dhaka will request New Delhi to resume tourist visas to Bangladeshis as India tightens tourist visas to Bangladeshis since July 2024 on political, strategic and security grounds resulting in drop by 73.37 per cent in 2025 compared to the previous year,
According to the Indian Ministry of Tourism, arrivals from Bangladesh fell by 73.37 percent in 2025 compared to the previous year. The total number of Bangladeshi visitors stood at 4,66,012 in 2025, compared to 17,50,165 in 2024, the data indicated.
Bangladesh’s ties with New Delhi have remained strained since then prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League regime was ousted following a violent student-led street protest in July–August 2024. Some20,56,880 Bangladeshi tourists visited India In 2023 as compared to some 12,55,960 Bangladeshi tourists in 2022
In 2025, only 4.7 lakh Bangladeshi visitors arrived in India, compared with 17.5 lakh in 2024 and 21.2 lakh in 2023.
Bangladeshi tourists recorded 21.56 lakh in 2017, 22.56 lakh in 2018, 25.77 lakh in 2019 and 21.19 lakh in 2023.
The border killing of Bangladeshis by the Indian Border Security Forces (BSF) is a matter of concern over the years that India overlooks over the years.
Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman is likely to raise the issue with India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar in the meeting, sources said.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman is likely to represent Bangladesh at the 9th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC– 2026,) to be held in Mauritius during April 10-12, 2026 in association with the Government of Mauritius, sources in Dhaka, New Delhi and Mumbai said.
Centered on the theme, “Collective Stewardship for Indian Ocean Governance,” IOC 2026 will bring together leaders, policymakers, and experts from across the Indian Ocean Region to deliberate on shared responsibilities, cooperative frameworks, and the future of regional governance.
In view of middle-east war and global energy crisis, Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman will discuss contemporary issues with participating countries beyond regular issues.
The 9th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) 2026, organised by the India Foundation and partners, gathers leaders, foreign ministers, and experts to focus on sustainable blue economy, maritime security, and regional cooperation, highlighting key involvement from India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Oman, and Australia.
Meanwhile, the 8th Indian Ocean Conference was held in Muscat on February 16, 2025 to explore opportunities and challenges on maritime trade and security, renewable energy, and technological innovation, according to Xinhua.
The two-day event under the theme “Voyage to New Horizons of Maritime Partnership,” organized by the ministry in collaboration with India Foundation, has attracted global ministers and experts in maritime, economic, and diplomatic affairs.
“The Indian Ocean is not merely a body of water but a major economic artery, a platform for trade exchange, and a bridge connecting nations,” the statement quoted Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Al Busaidi’s remarks at the opening ceremony as saying.
Partnerships among Indian Ocean countries extend beyond maritime affairs to include energy, technology, and sustainable development, which are essential to ensuring the security and prosperity of the Indian Ocean, Al Busaidi said.
Launched in 2016 by the India Foundation in Singapore with participation from 30 countries, the conference has since served as a platform for countries from the region and beyond to discuss issues including security, economic cooperation, and environmental challenges.
