India and Bangladesh are poised for a potential turning point in their bilateral relations, with key decisions regarding the Ganga water-sharing agreement likely to be discussed in New Delhi.
India and Bangladesh flag, (Photo: Created by artificial intelligence)
India and Bangladesh are poised for a potential turning point in their bilateral relations, with key decisions regarding the Ganga water-sharing agreement likely to be discussed in New Delhi. The current India–Bangladesh Ganges Water Treaty is set to expire in December this year. In this context, Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister, Khalilur Rahman, is scheduled to visit Delhi in April.
According to sources, on April 8, he will meet India’s External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, to discuss issues related to water sharing between the two nations. This meeting will mark the first high-level engagement between the two countries since the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) came to power.
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Additionally, reports suggest that Bangladesh’s new Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman, is keen to hold talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his forthcoming visit to India. Plans for this potential visit are also expected to be a key topic during the ministerial-level discussions.
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In 2024, following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, relations between India and Bangladesh declined during the year and a half under the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus. However, with Tarique Rahman’s rise to power, ties are showing signs of improvement.
During the funeral of his mother, former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar was present. Additionally, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla attended Tarique Rahman’s swearing-in ceremony, carrying a letter from the Indian Prime Minister.
Since July 2024, India has suspended the issuance of tourist visas to Bangladeshi nationals, citing security concerns. Sources indicate that Dhaka is likely to appeal for the reinstatement of these visas. Maintaining a respectful diplomatic posture, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman aims to restore smoother bilateral relations with India, and the upcoming meeting at the foreign ministerial level is seen as a step in that direction.
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