India and Bangladesh have resumed official-level talks on arrangements for a possible visit by Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to New Delhi in November, according to recent reports citing diplomatic sources. The development comes after uncertainty surrounding an earlier proposed visit and amid efforts by the two neighbouring countries to improve bilateral engagement.
The latest discussions are aimed at identifying a suitable window for Rahman’s visit in November. Reports indicate that officials from both countries have continued discussions in Dhaka as they work towards preparing an agenda for the proposed meeting. However, the visit should currently be described as a possibility under discussion rather than a formally confirmed diplomatic programme.
Rahman, who became Bangladesh’s prime minister in February 2026, has not yet made a bilateral visit to India since taking office. India had extended a separate bilateral invitation to him. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs also clarified in September that Rahman had received two separate invitations from India: one for a bilateral visit and another to attend the BRICS Summit in his capacity as chair of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, or BIMSTEC.
Rahman did not attend the BRICS Summit hosted in New Delhi earlier this month. The bilateral invitation, however, remains in place, according to the Indian government’s clarification. This provides a separate diplomatic channel through which the two countries can continue discussions about a future visit.
The latest reports suggest that November is being considered as a possible period for Rahman’s trip. The Bangladesh prime minister is scheduled to travel to New York for the United Nations General Assembly in September. He is also expected to have several diplomatic engagements during October and November. Officials are therefore working to identify a suitable period within that schedule for a possible visit to New Delhi.
The proposed visit comes at a time when India Bangladesh relations are undergoing a period of adjustment. Relations have faced difficulties since the political changes in Bangladesh in 2024 and the departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from the country.
One of the issues affecting bilateral discussions has been Bangladesh’s request for the extradition of Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in India. Dhaka has repeatedly raised the issue with New Delhi. India has said that it is examining the request. Bangladesh had previously indicated that a suitable diplomatic environment would be important before Rahman makes a visit to India.
In September, Bangladesh State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir said that Dhaka wanted to reset its relationship with New Delhi and develop bilateral engagement based on mutual interests. He also indicated that the timing of Rahman’s visit would depend on discussions between the two governments and the availability of a mutually acceptable schedule.
Trade is expected to be one of the subjects discussed as the two countries work to strengthen official engagement. Bilateral economic relations are important for both countries because India and Bangladesh share extensive commercial, transport and border connections.
Water sharing is another major area of potential discussion. According to reports, the renewal of the Ganga Water Treaty is likely to be part of the broader bilateral agenda. The treaty, signed in 1996, governs the sharing of Ganga waters between India and Bangladesh and is approaching the end of its current term.
The two countries also share 54 transboundary rivers, making water management an important part of their bilateral relationship. The Teesta water-sharing issue has remained unresolved for years, while the Ganga treaty renewal is expected to become increasingly important as its current term approaches its scheduled conclusion.
Diplomatic engagement between New Delhi and Dhaka has continued despite the uncertainty surrounding Rahman’s earlier proposed visit. The Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, has held meetings with senior Bangladeshi officials in recent days, according to reports. These engagements are part of the broader diplomatic process between the two countries.
The proposed November visit could therefore provide an opportunity for the two governments to discuss several outstanding bilateral matters directly. These could include trade, water cooperation, border-related concerns and other areas of mutual interest. The exact agenda, however, is expected to depend on discussions between the two sides before the visit.
It is important to note that the November timeline has not been formally confirmed by both governments. Current reporting indicates that officials are working to identify a suitable window rather than announcing a final date. The final schedule will depend on diplomatic consultations and the availability of both governments.
The latest development nevertheless indicates that official communication between India and Bangladesh has resumed following the uncertainty surrounding Rahman’s earlier proposed trip. Both sides are now discussing arrangements for a potential November visit while continuing consultations on broader bilateral matters.
If the visit takes place, it would mark Rahman’s first bilateral trip to India since becoming Bangladesh’s prime minister. It could also provide a platform for the two governments to address pending issues and discuss the future direction of India Bangladesh relations.
For now, the key development is the resumption of official-level talks and the reported effort to identify a November window for Rahman’s visit. Further details, including the exact date, programme and agenda, are expected to emerge after consultations between New Delhi and Dhaka.