External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman in New Delhi on Wednesday to discuss enhancing bilateral relations and to exchange perspectives on regional and global developments, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The meeting was also attended by Humayun Kabir, Adviser on Foreign Affairs to the Bangladesh Prime Minister.
During the discussions, Jaishankar emphasized India’s commitment to engaging constructively with Bangladesh’s new government and furthering cooperative initiatives. Both sides agreed to explore proposals aimed at strengthening partnerships through existing bilateral mechanisms, with follow-up official meetings planned in the near future. The agenda also covered shared interests in regional and international affairs.
Rahman additionally held talks with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri during his visit.
Separately, India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Pranay Verma, met Brigadier General (Retd.) AKM Shamsul Islam, defence adviser to the Bangladeshi Prime Minister, on Wednesday. Their discussion highlighted the scope for enhanced security and defence cooperation, including bilateral consultations, training programs, capacity-building efforts, and exchanges between defence institutes of both nations. The officials reaffirmed the enduring bond between India and Bangladesh, rooted in their shared sacrifices during Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War.
Earlier in the week, Verma also met with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to explore opportunities for deepening bilateral engagement across key sectors. During this meeting, he highlighted India’s willingness to adopt a positive, constructive, and forward-looking approach grounded in mutual interests and benefits.
This visit marks the first by a Bangladeshi minister to India since the BNP-led government took office in February, signaling a recalibration of ties between the two countries. Relations had faced strains during the 18-month tenure of the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, amid rising anti-India rhetoric and attacks on minority communities. The recent high-level interactions indicate renewed momentum toward closer India-Bangladesh cooperation.
