Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman is set to visit India on April 7, in what will be the first ministerial trip to New Delhi since the formation of the new government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
The visit comes at a time of mounting global concern over energy prices, with crude oil reportedly climbing above $110 a barrel amid the ongoing war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. Against that backdrop, Dhaka is expected to seek greater energy cooperation with India, particularly increased imports of fuel, including diesel.
According to reports, Khalilur Rahman is scheduled to hold meetings on April 8 with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. Discussions may also include a meeting with India’s petroleum minister to explore additional fuel supplies for Bangladesh.
Another key issue expected to feature prominently is the Ganges water-sharing agreement between the two countries. Signed in December 1996 for a period of 30 years, the accord is approaching the end of its term. In recent weeks, delegations from both sides have reportedly been reviewing its hydrological and technical aspects in preparation for possible renewal or revision.
Officials familiar with the matter say any new arrangement will need to take into account the effects of climate change on water flow, as well as the role of the West Bengal state government, whose consent would be necessary for a fresh agreement.
The minister may also use the visit to seek India’s backing for Bangladesh’s nomination of Khalilur Rahman for the President of the United Nations General Assembly for 2026–27.
The visit is being watched closely in both countries as a signal of how bilateral ties may evolve under Bangladesh’s new administration, with energy security and river-water cooperation emerging as two of the most urgent items on the agenda.