Energy, water, border killing, visa issues likely to dominate talks during FM Khalilur’s Delhi visit
The two sides are likely to discuss the prospective schedule of Tarique’s visit to India at a mutually convenient time, at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Bangladesh is expected to discuss energy, water, border killings, visa issues and the prospective visit of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to India during an upcoming meeting between Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in April, sources in Dhaka, New Delhi and Mumbai have said.
Bangladesh-India relations suffered during the tenure of the interim government, headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.
Both Dhaka and New Delhi have expressed a desire to rebuild and regroup ties based on mutual trust, respect and dignity after the BNP came to power.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
The two sides are likely to discuss the prospective schedule of Tarique's visit to India at a mutually convenient time, at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In his letter last month, Modi conveyed warm regards to Tarique's wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman, expressing hope that they will accompany him 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 neighbouring countries.
Amid the US-Israeli war on Iran, which started on 28 February, Bangladesh has requested India to supply additional fuel as it faces potential energy shortages.
Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood, during a meeting with Indian High Commissioner Pranay Kumar Verma this month at the Secretariat, sought the Indian cooperation in this regard.
Verma noted that India and Bangladesh already maintain strong energy connectivity.
The 30-year Ganges treaty between Dhaka and Delhi will expire on 31 December, with Bangladesh likely to seek an extension with a view to getting water supply during the upcoming meeting.
Both countries are likely to discuss water sharing of 54 rivers, including the signing of a treaty on sharing the water of the Teesta.
Dhaka is expected to request Delhi to resume tourist visas for Bangladeshis, after India tightened such visas to Bangladeshis in July 2024 on political, strategic and security grounds.
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 466,012 in 2025, compared to 1,750,165 in 2024, the data showed.
The border killing of Bangladeshis by the Indian Border Security Forces (BSF) is also a matter of concern. Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman is likely to raise the issue with India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in the meeting, sources said.
Khalilur is likely to represent Bangladesh at the 9th Indian Ocean Conference to be held in Mauritius on 10-12 April in association with the government of Mauritius, sources in Dhaka, New Delhi and Mumbai said.
In view of the Middle East war and global energy crisis, Khalilur will discuss contemporary issues with participating countries beyond regular issues.
