India, Bangladesh Resume Talks for Rahman Visit
India and Bangladesh have resumed official-level discussions to arrange a possible visit by Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to New Delhi, after a brief period of diplomatic friction. Officials from both sides are reportedly working toward a suitable window in November, with trade and water-sharing issues expected to feature prominently.
India-Bangladesh Talks Resume for Tarique Rahman Visit
Officials have continued consultations in Dhaka to prepare the agenda for Rahman’s proposed first bilateral visit to India as Bangladesh Prime Minister.
Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi has recently held meetings with senior Bangladeshi officials, including Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee and Prime Minister’s Adviser Mahdi Amin.
Rahman is expected to travel to New York for the United Nations General Assembly before undertaking other diplomatic engagements during October and November.
Trade and Ganga Water Treaty on Agenda
Restoring bilateral trade affected by recent political uncertainty is expected to be among the major priorities during the proposed visit.
The renewal of the Ganga Water Treaty is also likely to feature prominently in discussions. The 1996 water-sharing agreement between India and Bangladesh is due to expire in 2026, making negotiations over its future an increasingly important bilateral issue.
Both governments are expected to discuss broader economic, connectivity and cross-border cooperation as part of efforts to stabilise relations.
Bangladesh Seeks Reset in India Relations
Rahman had earlier been invited to attend the BRICS Summit in New Delhi in his capacity as chair of BIMSTEC, but Bangladesh did not send a representative.
Bangladeshi officials subsequently indicated that Dhaka preferred Rahman’s first India trip to be a dedicated bilateral visit.
The renewed discussions signal an effort by both sides to move beyond recent tensions and establish a more structured engagement between the new Bangladeshi government and New Delhi.
