Bangladesh and India are continuing discussions aimed at rebuilding their bilateral engagement, with Dhaka indicating that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s proposed visit to New Delhi will take place once both sides agree on a suitable timeframe.
Bangladesh State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir said on September 15 that the planned visit remains under discussion and that the two countries are working toward a mutually acceptable schedule. He described the relationship as a work in progress, with ongoing dialogue expected to help establish a new framework for engagement.
Kobir’s comments come as Bangladesh seeks to reset its relationship with India following a period of strained ties. Dhaka has indicated that it wants future engagement with New Delhi to focus more directly on bilateral interests, rather than relying primarily on multilateral platforms.
The timing of Tarique Rahman’s visit has not yet been finalised. Indian officials also said on September 15 that New Delhi had not received an update from Dhaka regarding the proposed bilateral visit. India has clarified that Rahman received a separate invitation for a bilateral visit in addition to an invitation connected with the BRICS summit through Bangladesh’s role as BIMSTEC chair.
Bangladesh currently holds the rotating chairmanship of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) and has said it plans to host the BIMSTEC Summit in 2027. This regional role adds another layer to Dhaka’s diplomatic engagement with neighbouring countries, including India.
The latest statements indicate that both sides remain engaged through diplomatic channels while several aspects of the bilateral relationship are being reassessed. Recent meetings between Indian and Bangladeshi officials have also focused on broader bilateral relations and people-to-people ties.
For New Delhi and Dhaka, the proposed visit could provide an opportunity for direct discussions on the future direction of bilateral relations. However, no confirmed date has been announced, and the timing will depend on further discussions between the two governments.
The ongoing diplomatic engagement highlights the importance of India-Bangladesh relations to regional cooperation in South Asia, particularly as Bangladesh seeks to define its foreign-policy priorities while maintaining working relations with India.