Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman met India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Oil and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri in New Delhi on Wednesday, 8 April 2026, to discuss key bilateral, regional, and international issues.
Prime Minister’s Adviser for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir and Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Riaz Hamidullah were also present during the meetings. Following their arrival in the Indian capital, the Bangladesh delegation additionally held a meeting with India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval.
During the discussions, both sides emphasized the importance of advancing Bangladesh–India relations across multiple sectors. They exchanged views on strengthening cooperation and addressing regional and global challenges.
Dr. Rahman stated that the recently elected BNP government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman would pursue its foreign policy based on the principle of “Bangladesh First,” focusing on mutual trust, respect, and reciprocal benefits.
The foreign minister also thanked the Government of India for apprehending the suspected killers of Shaheed Osman Hadi. Both sides agreed that the arrested individuals would be returned to Bangladesh according to the procedures outlined in the extradition treaty between the two countries.
During the talks, Bangladesh 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.
Minister Jaishankar noted that Indian visas for Bangladeshi citizens—particularly medical and business visas—would be eased in the coming weeks to facilitate travel and cooperation.
Dr. Rahman also expressed gratitude to Minister Puri for India’s recent diesel supply to Bangladesh and requested an increase in the supply of diesel and fertilizer. Minister Puri indicated that the Government of India would consider the request positively.
Both sides agreed to continue consultations on key bilateral issues to further strengthen cooperation between the two neighboring countries.
