Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman concluded a two-day official visit to New Delhi on Wednesday, marking the first ministerial-level outreach by the Tarique Rahman administration since it took office in February. The visit focused on securing essential energy supplies and addressing diplomatic friction that has persisted between the two neighboring nations over the past year.
During the visit, Rahman held high-level deliberations with India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. The discussions centered on enhancing bilateral energy cooperation and stabilizing the supply of petroleum products to Dhaka.
Request for Increased Fuel and Fertiliser
The Bangladesh foreign ministry confirmed that Rahman formally requested an increase in fuel and fertiliser shipments from India. This comes as Bangladesh faces significant energy import disruptions attributed to the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran.
Minister Hardeep Singh Puri responded to the request by indicating that India would consider the proposal for higher fuel volumes readily and favourably. Rahman also expressed gratitude for recent diesel shipments from India, which have served as a critical buffer during the current domestic energy crisis in Bangladesh.
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Ease in Travel and Visa Restrictions
In a significant administrative move, the Indian government confirmed that visa procedures for Bangladeshi nationals will be relaxed in the coming weeks. The relaxation will specifically prioritize individuals traveling for medical treatment and business purposes.
Travel and visa services had been largely suspended following a period of heightened tensions. These tensions were exacerbated by reports of attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh and subsequent port restrictions imposed by India on certain goods.
Extradition and Security Deliberations
The diplomatic dialogue also touched upon the status of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been in New Delhi since fleeing mass protests in 2024. The Bangladesh delegation renewed its formal call for her extradition following a sentence passed by the International Crimes Tribunal in Dhaka.
Further security-related talks were held between Minister Rahman and India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. The two officials discussed regional security concerns and the necessity of expanding cross-sector cooperation to maintain stability along the shared 4,000-km border.