New Delhi/Dhaka, April 7 (NationPress) The Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, Khalilur Rahman, arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday evening for a visit aimed at fostering goodwill. This visit is being positioned by Dhaka as a crucial step towards establishing a more productive and sustainable partnership between the two nations.

“We extend a warm welcome to FM Khalilur Rahman of Bangladesh upon his arrival in New Delhi today. The enduring ties between India and Bangladesh, rooted in deep people-to-people connections, will be further strengthened through this visit,” stated the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on X.

As per the information provided by the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry, Rahman is slated to participate in the Indian Ocean Conference taking place in Mauritius from April 10-12, 2026, with a brief stopover in New Delhi.

During his time in India, he is expected to engage in courtesy meetings with India's Foreign Minister, National Security Advisor, and the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas. These discussions will focus on ensuring stability and ongoing development in bilateral relations, built on a foundation of mutual respect, trust, and shared interests, as indicated by a statement from Dhaka prior to the minister's departure.

This visit is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first visit to India by a Bangladeshi minister since the BNP-led government took office in February, signaling a potential shift in the dynamics of India-Bangladesh relations, which had become strained during the 18-month interim government led by Mohammad Yunus, amid rising tensions involving Hindu minorities and anti-India sentiments.

Key topics anticipated to be addressed during Rahman's visit include the resumption of visa services for Bangladeshi citizens, enhancing energy collaboration, improving border management, resolving outstanding issues related to river water-sharing, and bolstering trade facilitation measures.

Reports from Bangladeshi media suggest that Dhaka is likely to advocate for a more favorable and proactive stance from India regarding the full restoration of visa services. Additionally, the Bangladeshi delegation is expected to underscore the economic and social advantages associated with medical tourism, which has been adversely affected by existing restrictions.

Since July 2024, tourist visas for Bangladeshi nationals have been suspended due to security concerns. Furthermore, visa processing centers in Bangladesh have been operating with reduced staff following reports of violence and vandalism at Indian facilities, as reported by the leading Bangladeshi daily, 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 strategies for enhancing bilateral engagement and cooperation across essential sectors.

During their meeting, Verma expressed India's interest in strengthening ties through a “positive, constructive, and forward-looking approach” based on mutual interests and benefits.

In the preceding week, Bangladesh's High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, met with Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi in New Delhi, exploring avenues for increased defense cooperation, including joint training initiatives.

These discussions centered around opportunities for deeper collaboration to foster regional peace and security.