Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman is set to visit New Delhi on Tuesday in a move widely viewed by diplomats as crucial for paving the way for a possible summit between Bangladesh's Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi.
Officials on both sides have signaled that Tarique Rahman could travel to India in the coming months following an invitation from Modi, extended after the Bangladeshi leader secured a landslide electoral victory earlier this year.
According to diplomatic sources, the two leaders may also meet on the sidelines of a third-country engagement, reflecting a flexible approach to re-engagement after a period of strained ties.
The foreign minister's visit, though officially framed as routine, is being closely watched for its broader political significance. The foreign minister is scheduled to hold meetings with India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar and national security adviser Ajit Doval -- talks that insiders say will be critical in shaping the agenda, tone and possible outcomes of a future leaders' summit.
Speaking ahead of the trip, Bangladesh's foreign affairs adviser Humayun Kabir indicated that discussions would cover a wide range of issues central to Dhaka's national interests.
Among the most sensitive is the long-standing concern over border killings, with Bangladesh expecting to press for stronger assurances to prevent further loss of life along the frontier.
The visit will also coincide with participation in the Indian Ocean Conference, where regional security, connectivity and economic cooperation are likely to feature prominently. For Dhaka, the trip offers an opportunity to reassert its strategic priorities while recalibrating ties with its largest neighbor.
Meanwhile, Indian media reports suggest that Mr. Tarique Rahman's visit to Delhi could take place "very soon", with officials describing bilateral relations as "absolutely on track". The anticipated talks are expected to focus on strengthening economic partnership, expanding trade, enhancing infrastructure collaboration and boosting connectivity initiatives. Both sides are also keen to revive people-to-people exchanges, which have been disrupted in recent years.
Yet beneath the optimistic tone, several contentious issues remain unresolved. Bangladesh is expected to reiterate its request for the extradition of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, alongside other accused individuals, including Faisal Karim Masud, who was arrested in Kolkata in connection with the killing of political activist Sharif Osman Bin Hadi.
Dhaka is also likely to press India to fully resume visa services, arguing that the move would benefit both countries, particularly in the area of medical tourism, where India remains a key destination for Bangladeshi patients.
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