Bangladesh Seeks More Fuel from India as Ties Improve
Bangladesh has requested increased fuel supplies from India during Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman’s first official visit to New Delhi, signalling improving relations between the neighbouring countries. In meetings with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, discussions focused on expanding energy cooperation, with India indicating it would consider Bangladesh’s request for higher fuel and fertiliser shipments favourably. Bangladesh expressed gratitude for recent diesel deliveries as it faces energy supply disruptions linked to the ongoing U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran.
The visit marks an early diplomatic outreach by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s new administration, which took office in February after a decisive election victory. Talks also addressed easing travel restrictions, with India announcing plans to relax visa procedures for Bangladeshi citizens, particularly for medical and business travel. Both sides additionally discussed strengthening security collaboration and broader regional cooperation.
Relations between the two countries had deteriorated after former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India in 2024 following mass protests. Bangladesh has renewed its request for her extradition while both nations attempt to rebuild ties strained by political tensions, visa suspensions, and trade restrictions. Recent diplomatic exchanges and high-level visits suggest a gradual thaw as both sides work toward restoring cooperation.
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