India to Ease Visas for Bangladeshis Following High-Level Talks in Delhi

NEW DELHI – In a significant move to strengthen bilateral ties, India has assured Bangladesh that it will soon streamline the visa process for its citizens, with a primary focus on medical and business visas.

The commitment was made during a high-profile meeting on Wednesday at New Delhi’s Hyderabad House between Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and the newly appointed Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman.

Key Highlights of the Bilateral Meeting

The discussions, which lasted over an hour, marked a pivotal moment in the diplomatic relationship between the two neighbors under Bangladesh’s new administration.

  • Visa Simplification: Diplomatic sources indicate that medical visas will be prioritized and resumed “very quickly” to assist Bangladeshi patients seeking treatment in India.
  • Extradition Agreements: Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman thanked the Indian government for the arrest of suspects involved in the murder of Inquilab Mancha convener Shahid Sharif Osman bin Hadi. Both nations agreed to facilitate their return to Bangladesh under existing extradition treaties.
  • High-Profile Extradition Requests: For the first time since the political transition in August 2024, Dhaka officially requested the extradition of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, who are currently in India.

A New Chapter: “Bangladesh First” Policy

During the talks, Foreign Minister Rahman emphasized that the newly elected government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, will operate under a “Bangladesh First” foreign policy. This approach aims to build international relations based on mutual trust, respect, and shared benefits.

Minister S. Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s interest in engaging constructively with the new government to deepen the partnership. Following the meeting, Jaishankar shared his optimism on social media, stating:

“Delighted to host Bangladesh FM Khalilur Rahman. We discussed strengthening our bilateral ties across various sectors and exchanged views on regional and global developments. We agreed on maintaining close touch.”


Looking Ahead

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that both sides reviewed proposals to deepen the partnership through existing bilateral frameworks. A formal follow-up meeting is expected to take place soon to finalize the visa easing protocols and address other regional interests.

This meeting signals a proactive effort by both New Delhi and Dhaka to ensure stability and cooperation in the South Asian region despite recent political shifts.

This article has been posted by a News Hour Correspondent. For queries, please contact through [email protected]
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