Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman held a series of high-level meetings in New Delhi on Thursday, engaging with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Mr. Hardeep Singh Puri to advance bilateral cooperation and address key regional issues.
Prime Minister’s Adviser for Foreign Affairs Mr. Humaiun Kabir and Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Mr. Riaz Hamidullah were present during the meetings. Upon arrival in the Indian capital, Dr. Rahman also met with India’s National Security Adviser Mr. Ajit Doval on Wednesday evening.
During the discussions, both sides underscored the importance of strengthening Bangladesh-India relations across multiple sectors. They also exchanged views on pressing regional and global developments.
Dr. Rahman stated that the newly elected BNP-led government under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman would conduct its foreign policy based on the principle of “Bangladesh First,” guided by mutual trust, respect, and shared benefits.
He expressed appreciation to the Indian government for apprehending the suspected killers of Shaheed Osman Hadi. Both countries agreed that the detained individuals would be repatriated to Bangladesh in accordance with the provisions of the existing extradition treaty.
The Bangladesh delegation reiterated its request for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, who have been sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal.
On visa facilitation, Dr. Jaishankar indicated that India would ease visa procedures for Bangladeshi nationals in the coming weeks, particularly for medical and business purposes.
Dr. Rahman also thanked Minister Hardeep Puri for India’s recent diesel supply to Bangladesh and requested an increase in the volume of diesel and fertilizer exports. In response, Minister Puri assured that the Indian government would consider the request positively.
Both sides agreed to continue structured consultations on key bilateral matters, signaling a commitment to deepening cooperation between the two neighboring countries.