India–Bangladesh Agree to Restore Relations After Prolonged 18-Month Strain

New Delhi, Apr 8: India and Bangladesh have agreed to take concrete steps to restore their bilateral partnership after over 18 months of strained relations, signalling a renewed phase of diplomatic engagement.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held talks with Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, with both sides emphasising cooperation in trade, energy and people to people exchanges. The discussions underscored a shared intent to stabilise ties while expanding collaboration through existing bilateral mechanisms.

During the meeting, Bangladesh reiterated its request for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and ex-home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal. However, officials indicated that the matter would not be allowed to disrupt the broader trajectory of relations between the two neighbours.

Rahman’s visit marks the first high-level engagement with India since the new Bangladesh Nationalist Party government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, assumed office earlier this year. He also held extensive discussions with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on strategic and security-related issues.

Both countries agreed to enhance cooperation in key sectors, including energy supplies and trade. Bangladesh also sought increased Indian support in diesel and fertiliser supplies, with Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri assuring a favourable consideration of the request.

In a positive development, India indicated that visa issuance particularly for medical and business purposes will be eased in the coming weeks to facilitate greater cross-border movement.

Relations between the two nations had deteriorated following political changes in Dhaka, including the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus after the fall of the Awami League government in 2024. However, recent diplomatic exchanges suggest a gradual effort by both sides to rebuild trust and restore cooperation across multiple sectors.