Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister, Khalilur Rahman, arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday evening on a goodwill visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Bangladesh and India.
He, accompanied by Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir, departed Dhaka earlier in the afternoon. Their arrival in the Indian capital was confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs India.
According to an official statement, Khalilur was received by B. Shyam, Joint Secretary in charge of the Bangladesh–Myanmar division at India’s foreign ministry.
The statement highlighted the “warm and historic ties” between Bangladesh and India, emphasizing that the relationship is built on strong people-to-people connections and will be further strengthened through this visit.
As part of his itinerary, the Bangladeshi foreign minister is scheduled to meet India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday, April 8. He will also hold meetings with Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, and Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry.
The meetings are expected to cover a wide range of bilateral issues, including trade and commerce, resumption of transshipment facilities, energy security, and renewal of the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty. Other key topics include border management and prevention of border killings, visa facilitation for Bangladeshi citizens, and extradition-related issues.
The talks may also address extradition matters related to the alleged killers of Inqilab Mancha's spokesperson Sharif Osman bin Hadi, as well as the repatriation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and other Awami League leaders accused of crimes against humanity.
In addition, the agenda may include cooperation on international platforms, including India’s support for Bangladesh’s candidacy for the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, as well as regional and global developments, including ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
The visit comes as Khalilur travels onward to Mauritius to attend the Indian Ocean Conference.
The Bangladesh government has described the visit as a “goodwill visit,” marking the first ministerial-level engagement with India since the formation of the new government under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in February.
Following official engagements in New Delhi, Khalilur and Jaishankar are expected to travel together to Mauritius on April 9 aboard a commercial flight. The long journey is expected to provide an opportunity for informal and extended discussions between the two foreign ministers beyond formal diplomatic settings.
JPI/MHK