Bangladesh seeks to ‘restart India ties’, discuss water-sharing deal on Khalilur’s visit

Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman will visit New Delhi en route to the Indian Ocean Conference in Mauritius, aiming to revive strained bilateral relations

The discussions will include the renewal of the Ganges water-sharing agreement, due to expire in December 2026.

Officials describe Tuesday’s visit as a “courtesy trip” signalling goodwill, but it also carries strategic weight: both countries intend to agree on a roadmap for water cooperation, trade, border security, and future-oriented initiatives.

A senior foreign ministry official said on Monday, “It cannot be denied that after the July upheaval, relations stalled. Changes in Bangladesh were perhaps not immediately accepted in India. This visit is about restarting the relationship with mutual benefit in mind.”

Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Advisor Humaiun Kobir added, “Detailed discussions will follow later. This is the opening move -- opening the channel of dialogue.”

Khalilur will meet India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.

Time permitting, he may also meet Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal.

The visit precedes the 9th Indian Ocean Conference, organised by the India Foundation from Apr 10–12.

Officials emphasised that the objective is to determine the path for a renewed, forward-looking bilateral relationship under the “Bangladesh First” principle.

The agenda also includes the extradition of criminals residing in India, including those convicted or under trial in Bangladesh.

Officials expressed confidence that India would return those with alleged ties to the killing of Inqilab Moncho leader Sharif Osman bin Hadi.

Legal processes remain key, as some individuals entered India illegally.

Relations between the two countries became strained during the interim administration under Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, with disputes over extradition requests, minority protection, media allegations, and border incidents.

In May 2025, India imposed trade restrictions on Bangladeshi garments and processed foods at land borders.

Ahead of Khalilur’s trip, Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday, accompanied by Humaiun.

Humaiun said, “This visit conveys goodwill and opens the door to a positive bilateral relationship. Signals from both sides are clear. India has expressed interest in engaging with the elected government -- this is a clean break from the past.”

The Ganges water-sharing agreement, signed in 1996 for 30 years, is set to expire on Dec 12, 2026.

Technical and ministerial-level talks are ongoing through the Indo-Bangladesh Joint River Commission, which manages 54 rivers shared by both countries.

Officials said an Indian team is currently in Dhaka to inspect key sites, including Hardinge Bridge, as part of routine monitoring before follow-up meetings.