Dhaka, April 7 (NationPress) - The Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman's upcoming "goodwill visit" to India, commencing later today, is anticipated to establish a significant groundwork for enhancing cooperative endeavors between the two nations towards more effective and sustainable outcomes in the future.

According to the ministry, Rahman will attend the Indian Ocean Conference scheduled for April 10-12, 2026, in Mauritius, with a brief stop in New Delhi.

During his visit, he is expected to engage in courtesy meetings with India's Foreign Minister, National Security Advisor, and Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas. These discussions will focus on fostering stability and the ongoing development of bilateral relations founded on mutual respect, trust, and common interests, as stated in a release from the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry prior to the minister's departure from Dhaka.

This trip is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first visit by a Bangladeshi minister to India since the BNP-led government took office in February, highlighting a potential shift in the recalibration of India-Bangladesh relations, which had faced challenges during the 18-month period of the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, amid rising tensions concerning Hindu minorities and anti-India sentiments.

Key topics anticipated in discussions during Rahman's visit to New Delhi include the resumption of visa services for Bangladeshi citizens, bolstering energy collaboration, enhancing border management strategies, addressing unresolved river water-sharing issues, and improving trade facilitation measures.

Reports from Bangladeshi media suggest Dhaka is likely to advocate for a more constructive and proactive stance from India regarding the full restoration of visa services. Additionally, the economic and social advantages tied to medical tourism, which have been affected by current restrictions, are expected to be emphasized.

Tourist visas for Bangladeshi nationals have been suspended since July 2024 due to security concerns. Furthermore, visa processing centers in Bangladesh have been operating with reduced staff following reports of violence and vandalism near Indian facilities, according to sources cited by the prominent Bangladeshi newspaper, 'Dhaka Tribune', ahead of Rahman's visit.

On Monday, India's High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Pranay Verma, met with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to discuss avenues for enhancing bilateral engagement and cooperation across vital sectors.

During their meeting, Verma expressed India's readiness to strengthen ties through a positive, constructive, and forward-looking approach anchored in shared interests and mutual benefit.

Last week, Bangladesh's High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, conferred with Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi in New Delhi to explore opportunities for advancing defense cooperation, including joint training initiatives, and to discuss avenues for deeper collaboration to foster regional peace and security.