Archive · 14 Sep 2026
India Keeps Door Open to Normalise Bangladesh Ties
India and Bangladesh are neighbors trying to improve their relationship.
Their relationship has faced problems involving former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has delayed a planned visit to India, although talks about the visit are continuing.
India says it still wants friendly contact between the people of both countries.
Indian diplomat Dinesh Trivedi met important Bangladeshi officials in Dhaka.
One meeting discussed trade, business and other ways to cooperate.
Another meeting discussed rivers and shared water.
The two countries also need to decide what happens to a water-sharing treaty that ends in December 2026.
India is pursuing high-level contacts with Bangladesh despite disputes involving former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Tarique Rahman's delayed India visit.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited Tarique Rahman to India, while another invitation asked him to attend the BRICS Summit as BIMSTEC chair; he attended neither.
Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi met Bangladeshi officials on September 13, 2026, stressing stronger people-to-people relations.
Bangladesh adviser Zahed Ur Rahman said his government wants improved ties based on mutual importance, respect, trade and business.
The 1996 Ganges Water Sharing Treaty is due to expire in December 2026, making water cooperation a key bilateral issue.
- Who
- The governments of India and Bangladesh, including Narendra Modi, Tarique Rahman, Dinesh Trivedi and Bangladeshi officials.
- What
- India is seeking to normalise bilateral relations while disputes over Sheikh Hasina, a delayed visit and water sharing remain unresolved.
- When
- The key diplomatic meetings took place on September 13, 2026; the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty is due to expire in December 2026.
- Where
- The meetings took place in Bangladesh; the proposed visit and BRICS invitation concerned India and New Delhi.
- Why
- Both sides have expressed interest in improving people-to-people relations, trade, business and cooperation over shared rivers.
India's stated approach
Bangladesh's priorities
Basis for improving relations
India's stated approach
India is emphasising people-to-people ties and continued engagement rather than allowing political disputes to halt relations.
Bangladesh's priorities
Bangladesh says it wants better ties based on mutual importance and respect, including expanded trade, business and other exchanges.
Role of Sheikh Hasina
India's stated approach
India is keeping diplomatic doors open despite the Bangladesh government's focus on the issue of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Bangladesh's priorities
The Bangladesh government maintains that Hasina's situation is a key focus of the bilateral relationship.
Water cooperation
India's stated approach
India is discussing stronger bilateral engagement through established mechanisms as the Ganges treaty approaches expiration.
Bangladesh's priorities
Bangladesh has indicated that renewal of the treaty will be an important part of the broader bilateral relationship.
- Diplomatic approach
- India is keeping channels open through meetings between its high commissioner and senior Bangladeshi officials.
- Delayed visit
- Tarique Rahman's planned visit to India has been put on hold, although discussions continue.
- Indian invitations
- Narendra Modi invited Rahman for a bilateral visit, and another invitation asked him to attend the BRICS Summit as BIMSTEC chair.
- People-to-people ties
- India says relations should continue to focus on the aspirations and interests of people in both countries.
- Water treaty
- The Indo-Bangladesh Ganges Water Sharing Treaty, signed in 1996, is due to expire in December 2026.
- Shared rivers
- Bangladesh has 54 rivers originating in or flowing through India, according to the article.
- Farakka Barrage
- The 2,240-metre Farakka Barrage diverts Ganges water toward the Hooghly River to support navigation at Kolkata Port.