Tarique Rahman Expected to Visit New Delhi for Talks With PM Modi
Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is expected to visit New Delhi in the second half of next week, with preparations underway in both India and Bangladesh, according to reports. If confirmed, the two-day visit would mark Rahman’s first trip to India as prime minister and could signal a significant effort to reset relations between the neighboring countries.
Rahman is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the visit. Discussions are likely to cover bilateral trade, connectivity, energy cooperation, border management and regional security. The schedule is still being finalized, and the visit is currently being planned as a bilateral engagement.
India invited Rahman to New Delhi shortly after he assumed office in February. The planned visit comes amid efforts by both governments to restore diplomatic engagement following a prolonged period of strained relations.
Ties between New Delhi and Dhaka deteriorated after the government of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fell in August 2024.
Also Read: Australia Tightens Rules on Big Tech News Payments
Hasina subsequently moved to India, while Bangladesh later sought her extradition after a tribunal sentenced her to death over crimes against humanity. India has said the request is being examined through established legal and diplomatic channels.
Recent diplomatic contacts have indicated a willingness to improve relations. Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman visited New Delhi in April and met External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi also met Rahman in Dhaka on Aug. 10 to discuss improving bilateral ties.
Also Read: Oracle Plans More Job Cuts as AI Infrastructure Spending Soars
Beyond political differences, the two sides face several practical issues, including trade, transit, energy and border management. Water sharing is also expected to feature prominently, with the 1996 Ganges Water Sharing Treaty scheduled to expire in December.
Also Read: Apple Opens Houston Center Ahead of Mac Mini Production
The visit is unlikely to resolve all outstanding disputes, but direct talks between Modi and Rahman could establish a political channel for addressing contentious issues. The meeting would also allow both leaders to communicate their respective priorities as India and Bangladesh seek to restore stability and strengthen bilateral cooperation.