Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is likely to visit New Delhi in the latter half of next week, with preparations reportedly underway in both Dhaka and Delhi, according to NDTV citing sources in both capitals. The Business Standard is seeking confirmation of the information from relevant sources. If finalised, it would mark Tarique’s first visit to India since assuming office and could represent a significant step towards repairing ties between the two neighbouring nations. The proposed meeting is expected to draw close attention as both governments seek to reset strained relations following the political changes of last year.
Meeting Modi and agenda for talks
Tarique is expected to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the proposed two-day bilateral visit. Their discussions are anticipated to cover trade, connectivity, energy, border management, and regional security, though the detailed itinerary remains under finalization. New Delhi had extended an invitation to Tarique shortly after he assumed office in February, and has also invited Bangladesh to the BRICS outreach session scheduled for September in New Delhi.
The new BNP-led government has expressed a willingness to maintain constructive relations with India. Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman visited New Delhi in April and met Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. On August 10, Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi met the prime minister in Dhaka to discuss efforts to improve bilateral ties. During that engagement, the extradition of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and the return of those accused in the murder of Sharif Osman Bin Hadi were among the key issues discussed.
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The proposed talks are also expected to address several longstanding practical issues, including trade, transit, energy cooperation, connectivity, and border management. Reports indicate that water sharing could emerge as another major point of discussion, particularly as the 1996 Ganges Water Sharing Treaty is due to expire in December. Discussions on renewing the agreement are likely to become increasingly important as the deadline approaches.
Sensitive issues on the table
Hasina’s extradition is expected to remain one of the most sensitive issues in bilateral discussions. She fled to India on August 5, 2024, and has remained there since. Dhaka formally requested her extradition after the International Crimes Tribunal sentenced her to death for crimes against humanity committed during the uprising. India has stated it is examining the request through established legal and diplomatic procedures.
Tensions over the issue resurfaced this month after Hasina addressed journalists virtually from New Delhi. The government on August 5 condemned India’s decision to allow her to participate in the live interaction, calling it an affront to Bangladesh’s sovereignty and a setback to efforts to reset bilateral ties. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Dhaka had conveyed its concerns to Delhi in advance about the implications of the event for bilateral relations, but the programme proceeded. India has denied involvement in organizing the programme.