Delhi and Dhaka look at November dates for Tarique Rahman’s India visit

Delhi and Dhaka are engaged in discussions to schedule a visit by Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to India in November, reports The Indian Express. This comes after the BRICS summit, where Rahman did not participate, but India still invited him, given his role as the current chair of the BIMSTEC grouping. Earlier, Delhi had invited Rahman in August, but the visit did not occur.

The unrest in Bangladesh was sparked by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's remarks during a media interaction in August, marking two years since her government was overthrown. The two countries are now aiming for dates in November that also accommodate Prime Minister Narendra Modi's schedule. The Indian High Commissioner, Dinesh Trivedi, has initiated talks in Dhaka.

The Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi is set to be led by Asad Alam Siam, replacing M Riaz Hamidullah. The formal agreement is awaiting approval from the Indian government. The diplomats are working to overcome the diplomatic strain following the postponement of Rahman's August visit. Ties between the two nations were improving post-Rahman's February take-over, but Hasina's public interaction in Delhi angered Dhaka, who seeks her extradition.

The scheduling of the visit hinges on creating a favorable environment in Dhaka, mainly due to Hasina's presence in India and her public statements. While India is examining the extradition request, it is emphasizing a forward-looking relationship based on mutual interests and reciprocity. The diplomats acknowledge the significance of the visit and the benefits Bangladesh and India can derive from a strong and robust relationship.