[🇧🇩] Indo-Bangla Relation: India's Regional Ambition, Geopolitical Reality, and Strategic Options For Bangladesh

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https://www.newagebd.net/post/foreign-affairs/308110/pms-india-visit-to-advance-key-bilateral-issues-envoy

PM’s India visit to advance key bilateral issues: envoy
Diplomatic Correspondent 30 July, 2026, 00:26

Indian high commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi on Wednesday expressed optimism that prime minister Tarique Rahman’s proposed visit to India would help advance key bilateral issues.

Speaking to reporters after separate courtesy meetings with foreign minister Khalilur Rahman and state minister for foreign affairs Shama Obaed Islam at the foreign ministry, Trivedi said that India was eagerly awaiting the Bangladesh prime minister’s visit.

Responding to a question about the invitation extended by India to prime minister Tarique Rahman, the high commissioner said the decision ultimately rested with the prime minister.

‘From our end, I can assure you that we are looking forward to welcoming the prime minister of Bangladesh to India. We are very hopeful that this visit will take place in the near future,’ he said.

Asked about pending bilateral issues, including the Teesta and Ganges water-sharing treaties, Trivedi said the day’s meetings were primarily courtesy calls but stressed that all outstanding issues could be resolved through dialogue.

‘There is no issue that cannot be sorted out through mutual understanding. Ultimately, it is about the people. Whatever is beneficial for both democracies and their citizens will be prioritised,’ he said, noting that

India and Bangladesh had active joint working groups on treaty-related matters.

‘These working groups will certainly meet and deliberate,’ the high commissioner further said, adding, ‘as I mentioned, there is no problem that cannot be resolved. Once the prime minister visits India, things will move forward constructively.’

India has invited prime minister Tarique Rahman to attend the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12–13 it is going to host for the platform’s 11 member states—Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates.

Saying that his meetings at the foreign ministry were held in a warm and positive atmosphere, the Indian high commissioner stated, ‘I am looking forward to everything positively. We had a great meeting filled with immense positivity.’

‘Historically, culturally, and even in sports such as cricket, our connections run deep. This relationship is truly historic. We share not only our borders but also our history, culture and aspirations. We discussed all these aspects.’

‘This is just the beginning,’ Trivedi continued, ‘and I am confident we will continue to engage more deeply with each other moving forward.’

Deputy high commissioner Pawan Badhe and other officials of the Indian High Commission were also present.

After the meeting, foreign minister Khalilur Rahman acknowledged that certain issues continued to affect bilateral ties.

‘There are some irritations in the relationship that are very important to resolve,’ he said.

Describing his meeting with the Indian envoy as a courtesy call, Khalilur said no specific bilateral issues had been discussed.

‘This was our first courtesy meeting. We did not discuss any specific issue, and that is the norm,’ he said, and added, ‘There will be plenty of opportunities to discuss substantive matters in the future.’

Having noted that both sides agreed on the need to reset bilateral relations, the foreign minister added, ‘We have said before that the relationship between the two countries should be reset, and we both agree on this issue.’

Bangladesh and India would move forward on the basis of sovereign equality, Khalilur stressed.

‘Bangladesh and India will advance bilateral relations on the basis of sovereign equality, with due consideration for their mutual interests and Bangladesh’s national interests,’ he said.

Asked about the prime minister’s proposed visit to India, the foreign minister said the government was still reviewing the invitation.

When asked about disputes between the two neighbours, he reiterated that no specific issues had been discussed during the Wednesday meeting.

‘There are some irritations. He knows it, and I know it too. It is very important to resolve them. Everyone understands that need,’ he again said.

The foreign minister also said that during recent a visit to the Philippines he had met Indian external affairs minister S Jaishankar, who was aware of his meeting with the Indian high commissioner.

‘We both expressed the hope that, in the coming days, both sides will work to further strengthen our relations,’ he added.​

 

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India’s parliamentary panel seeks fresh Bangladesh ties amid China concerns, water disputes

An Indian parliamentary committee has called for a diplomatic reset with Bangladesh, urging deeper engagement with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s administration while addressing concerns over China’s growing footprint. The Committee on External Affairs, chaired by Shashi Tharoor, pres

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

India’s parliamentary panel seeks fresh Bangladesh ties amid China concerns, water disputes

An Indian parliamentary committee has called for a diplomatic reset with Bangladesh, urging deeper engagement with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s administration while addressing concerns over China’s growing footprint.

The Committee on External Affairs, chaired by Shashi Tharoor, presented its 15th Action Taken Report to the Lok Sabha on Jul 30, recommending a “robust engagement” with Dhaka after the return of an elected government.

The panel welcomed India’s high-level representation at the swearing-in ceremony of the new administration, saying the political transition offered an opportunity to build a stable and mutually beneficial partnership rooted in the shared legacy of 1971.

A major focus of the report was Bangladesh’s growing economic alignment with China.

The committee flagged Beijing’s expanding presence in Bangladesh, including a $370 million expansion project at Mongla Port, and warned of possible trade distortions for India if Chinese goods enter its market through Bangladesh.

The panel expressed particular concern over Bangladesh’s potential accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which could create a free trade framework between Dhaka and Beijing.

It warned that Chinese fabrics and manufactured goods could potentially reach Indian markets through transshipment or value-addition loopholes under SAFTA rules.

The committee recommended stricter rules-of-origin checks to protect Indian industries.

The concerns come amid deeper Dhaka-Beijing engagement. During Tarique’s recent visit to China, Chinese Premier Li Qiang and President Xi Jinping backed Bangladesh’s application to join RCEP.

During the visit, Bangladesh and China signed 13 memoranda of understanding covering trade expansion, a dedicated Chinese Economic Zone in Chattogram, Mongla Port modernisation and possible cooperation on Teesta River projects.

The Indian panel also highlighted the urgency of renewing the 1996 Ganges Water Treaty before it expires in December 2026.

It urged New Delhi to complete its internal assessment, including reviews of hydrological data, climate projections and consultations with West Bengal and Bihar, so formal negotiations with Bangladesh can begin without delay.

The report reviewed India’s development cooperation with Bangladesh as well. Twelve pre-execution Line of Credit projects were removed after joint reviews, while eight ongoing connectivity projects involving railways, power transmission and road expansion were prioritised for completion within a fixed timeline.

On security, the committee recommended completing unfenced sections of the India-Bangladesh border and using smart technologies alongside regular coordination between the Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).

The report said a stable, democratic and inclusive Bangladesh was vital for regional security and recommended restarting structured parliamentary exchanges and expanding educational and skill-development programmes between the two countries.​

 

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Prime Minister almost certain not to attend BRICS summit

Fresh tensions have emerged in Bangladesh–India relations after ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina was given an opportunity to speak directly to journalists in Delhi. Against this backdrop, it has become almost certain that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will not attend the outreach session of...

en.prothomalo.com

Prime Minister almost certain not to attend BRICS summit

Multiple high-level sources say the prime minister is unlikely to attend the BRICS summit following recent developments.

Diplomatic Correspondent
Dhaka

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman File photo
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• The BRICS summit will be held in Delhi on 12–13 September.​
• Narendra Modi had invited Tarique Rahman to the outreach session of the summit.​
• India’s newly appointed high commissioner is scheduled to make his first courtesy call on the prime minister on Monday.​

Fresh tensions have emerged in Bangladesh–India relations after ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina was given an opportunity to speak directly to journalists in Delhi. Against this backdrop, it has become almost certain that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will not attend the outreach session of the BRICS summit, scheduled to be held in Delhi on 12–13 September.

Several high-level sources of the Bangladesh government told Prothom Alo yesterday, Saturday, that following the recent developments, the possibility of the prime minister attending the BRICS outreach session has effectively vanished.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had invited Tarique Rahman in his capacity as the current chair of BIMSTEC to attend the session. The invitation was conveyed in a diplomatic letter sent to Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Indian High Commission in Dhaka on 14 July.

BRICS is an alliance of 11 emerging economies. BIMSTEC is a regional organisation for cooperation among countries around the Bay of Bengal. The outreach session of BRICS generally allows leaders of selected non-member countries and regional organisations to participate.

You cannot play the Hasina card and seek friendly relations with Bangladesh; the two are contradictory. I hope the Indian authorities and the Indian government will understand this.
Salahuddin Ahmed, home minister

Diplomatic sources in Dhaka and Delhi say the two countries are looking for ways to restore normal relations so that the recent tensions do not develop into a prolonged crisis. Both sides have continued communicating on how to manage the situation and rebuild mutual trust.

Against this backdrop, the first courtesy call by India’s newly appointed High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Dhaka is being viewed as significant. The meeting is scheduled for tomorrow, Monday. Before that, India’s high commissioner is expected to meet Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman today, Sunday.

According to diplomatic sources, the meetings may discuss the two sides’ positions on the recent developments and the steps to be taken next.

Diplomatic observers say the possibility of putting Bangladesh–India relations on a new footing after the February election has not gained the expected momentum. Although there had been talk of a new chapter in relations, observers believe there was a lack of political and diplomatic initiatives needed to build mutual trust.

Following the recent tensions, how to overcome these shortcomings and move the relationship forward is now a major challenge for both countries, they say.

According to government sources, Bangladesh formally conveyed its strong stance to India after Sheikh Hasina’s event in Delhi last Wednesday. Dhaka made it clear to New Delhi that the government did not view positively the opportunity given to the ousted prime minister to interact directly with journalists in Delhi.

In a statement the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Bangladesh was outraged by New Delhi’s decision to allow fugitive and convicted genocider Sheikh Hasina to speak directly to the media in Delhi. It said she and her henchmen launched venomous vitriol against the State of Bangladesh and her people.

Dhaka, meanwhile, has viewed positively the remarks made by Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal at the ministry’s regular briefing on Friday. Responding to a question, Jaiswal said that the Indian government did not endorse anything said at the forum, especially with regard to the duly constituted Government of Bangladesh.

According to members of Bangladesh’s diplomatic community, India’s position indicates that, despite the recent tensions, neither country is interested in allowing relations to deteriorate further. There is still an opportunity to take the relationship forward on the basis of mutual respect, dignity, shared interests and sensitivity towards each other’s concerns.

Home Minister’s warning

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has warned India over the political activities of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently staying in Delhi.

Speaking at an event at Dhaka University Saturday, the home minister said India would have to rethink its pursuit of friendly relations with Bangladesh if it allows ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled the country in the face of the July mass uprising, to engage in political activities from Indian soil.

Speaking as the chief guest at an event marking the anniversary of the July mass uprising, Salahuddin Ahmed said, “You cannot play the Hasina card and seek friendly relations with Bangladesh; the two are contradictory. I hope the Indian authorities and the Indian government will understand this.”

The home minister urged India not to allow Sheikh Hasina to make political statements or support activities against Bangladesh. He said Bangladesh wants to maintain friendly diplomatic relations with neighbouring India based on mutual interdependence and respect for sovereignty.

Meanwhile, Suhasini Haidar, diplomatic editor of India’s influential English-language daily The Hindu, argued in an explainer on X Saturday that the two countries should seek a positive way forward amid the current tensions.

In her view, whether ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina returns to her own country or goes to a third country is entirely her own decision. However, she believes India needs to look beyond the current tensions and focus on maintaining good relations with Bangladesh.​