Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman has expressed strong optimism regarding the future of Dhaka-Delhi relations, confirming that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has accepted an invitation from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit India.
While the high-profile visit is confirmed, the specific dates are currently being finalized.
According to official sources, Prime Minister Modi extended a warm invitation to Prime Minister Tarique, along with his wife Dr. Zubaida Rahman and daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman.
The invitation was formally delivered in a letter handed over by the Speaker of the Indian Lok Sabha, Om Birla, who represented India at the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh's newly elected government.
"A warm welcome awaits you in India," Modi stated in the letter.
Speaking to the media during a recent trip to Mauritius, Dr. Khalilur Rahman noted that preparatory activities are already underway.
"There will be a visit. We have not yet fixed the dates, but in the run-up to the visit, we will have various activities," the Foreign Minister said.
He emphasized that the leaders of both nations have not only exchanged formal correspondence but have also spoken directly, signaling a mutual desire to advance a relationship that is "consequential for both countries."
The Foreign Minister returned to Dhaka on Saturday following a series of productive diplomatic engagements in India and Mauritius.
During his stop in New Delhi on April 8, Dr. Khalilur met with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar.
The meeting, also attended by the Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir, focused on constructive engagement with Bangladesh's new administration.
"The meetings were very productive. We talked about how to carry the relationship forward, and I feel reasonably optimistic," Dr. Khalilur added.
Both sides have agreed to utilize relevant bilateral mechanisms to explore new proposals for deepening the partnership, with follow-on official meetings expected to take place shortly.
In addition to his talks with Dr. Jaishankar, the Foreign Minister also held high-level discussions with India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri, covering regional stability and energy cooperation.
With Inputs from UNB
