Sadik Sagar, Dhaka:
Bangladesh has initiated early steps to recalibrate its relations with India, with Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman expected to make a brief stopover in New Delhi next month, signalling a cautious but clear diplomatic reset under the new BNP government.
According to a report by Hindustan Times, Khalilur is likely to halt in the Indian capital on April 8 while en route to Mauritius to attend the Indian Ocean Conference. If the visit materialises, it would mark his first trip to India since assuming office and the first high-level political engagement between Dhaka and New Delhi since the BNP came to power in February.
The move comes after a period of subdued engagement during the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus, when bilateral ties experienced friction. The new government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, appears intent on restoring stability in relations with India without delay.
Diplomatic activity has already picked up pace. Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma met Khalilur in Dhaka last month and conveyed an invitation from Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for an early visit to India, indicating mutual interest in resuming high-level exchanges.
At the political level, both sides have adopted a tone of continuity combined with recalibration. In a recent message to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Tarique Rahman underscored Bangladesh’s commitment to advancing ties based on “dignity, equality, mutual trust and respect.” He acknowledged India’s gesture of sending a high-level representative to Dhaka for the swearing-in ceremony and highlighted the deep-rooted historical, cultural and geographical connections between the two countries, while also signalling Dhaka’s intent to pursue a more balanced partnership.
Alongside outreach to India, the BNP government is also shaping a broader regional engagement strategy. Reports indicate that Tarique Rahman may undertake his first foreign visit to either Bhutan or Maldives, with Thimphu widely seen as the most likely destination, reflecting a calibrated approach to regional diplomacy.
While Khalilur’s expected stopover may be brief, it is likely to set the tone for future engagement, focusing on rebuilding trust and identifying areas of cooperation, including trade, connectivity and regional stability. The visit could also pave the way for a potential trip by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to India at a mutually convenient time, as both sides seek to re-energise bilateral ties after recent uncertainties.
The anticipated visit underscores a pragmatic shift in Dhaka’s diplomatic posture—prioritising stability with India while asserting a framework based on reciprocity and shared benefit, with early signals suggesting both sides are willing to move forward cautiously but constructively.
