Tarique Rahman’s India visit is stalled over Sheikh Hasina, extradition and border tensions, raising questions about future Bangladesh-India ties.
Tarique Rahman’s India Visit Stalled: What It Means for Bangladesh-India Ties
Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s planned visit to India has been put on hold, highlighting the growing challenges in relations between the two neighbouring countries. The uncertainty comes as Dhaka and New Delhi remain divided over the future of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is living in India after leaving Bangladesh in 2024.
Rahman, who became prime minister in February, had expressed interest in improving relations with India. His planned first official visit was expected to provide an opportunity for both countries to reset ties and focus on trade, security, regional cooperation and economic development.
However, tensions increased following a virtual press conference by Sheikh Hasina in New Delhi on August 5. The event angered Bangladesh, which said the political atmosphere had become unsuitable for a high-level visit.
Why Was Tarique Rahman’s India Visit Delayed?
India had invited Rahman for a standalone visit before an upcoming BRICS summit hosted by India. Since the new Bangladeshi government took office, officials and senior diplomats from both sides have held several meetings aimed at improving bilateral relations.
India also appointed Dinesh Trivedi as its envoy to Bangladesh, signalling an effort to strengthen political engagement. Trivedi recently urged Bangladesh to look beyond past disagreements while continuing to address unresolved issues.
He also said that India wanted Rahman’s visit to be a memorable one. However, the situation changed after Hasina’s virtual appearance at the August 5 press conference.
Bangladesh viewed the event as politically sensitive and argued that Hasina’s continued activities from India were affecting the relationship between the two countries.
India said it was not involved in organising the event, but the explanation did not immediately ease tensions.
Sheikh Hasina Extradition Issue Remains Central
The biggest obstacle in Bangladesh-India relations remains the question of Sheikh Hasina.
Bangladesh has formally requested that India extradite Hasina and other individuals who are facing legal proceedings in Bangladesh. Hasina was sentenced to death in absentia in November 2025 after being convicted of crimes against humanity.
Bangladesh and India have an extradition treaty, although the agreement includes provisions concerning political offences. New Delhi has said that the extradition request is being considered according to established procedures.
For Bangladesh, the issue is closely connected to accountability and the political changes that followed the July 2024 uprising. Dhaka has also criticised Hasina for making political statements from India, arguing that such activities interfere in Bangladesh’s domestic affairs.
The Bangladesh government has repeatedly emphasised its “Bangladesh First” policy, based on national dignity, sovereign equality, non-interference and mutual benefit.
Other Issues Creating Tension
The Sheikh Hasina issue is not the only source of disagreement.
Bangladesh’s growing diplomatic relationship with Pakistan has also created concerns in New Delhi. India played a major role in Bangladesh’s independence in 1971, and relations between the two countries were particularly close during Hasina’s years in power.
The new government, however, has been seeking broader relationships with countries including China, Pakistan and the United States.
Border management is another major concern. India has continued efforts to strengthen security along its 4,096km border with Bangladesh. Dhaka has also criticised the treatment of people India considers undocumented Bangladeshi migrants, particularly when individuals are sent across the border without what Bangladesh considers adequate diplomatic verification.
Political rhetoric on both sides has further contributed to public tensions.
What Happens Next?
Despite the current diplomatic difficulties, a complete breakdown in Bangladesh-India relations appears unlikely. The two countries share a long border and have important economic, security and regional interests.
Bangladesh depends on India for significant trade and connectivity links, while India has strategic interests in maintaining stable relations with its eastern neighbour.
Experts argue that both governments will eventually need to return to dialogue. The unresolved issue of Sheikh Hasina cannot be ignored, but allowing it to dominate every aspect of bilateral relations could make cooperation more difficult.
Rahman’s decision to delay or reconsider his first India visit may also reflect domestic political pressure in Bangladesh. At the same time, India must adjust to a Bangladesh that is seeking a more independent and diversified foreign policy.
The future of Bangladesh-India relations will therefore depend on whether both sides can separate political disagreements from areas of mutual interest.
Trade, border security, water sharing, regional connectivity, energy cooperation and economic development remain important areas where cooperation can continue.
For now, Tarique Rahman’s stalled India visit is a clear sign that relations between Dhaka and New Delhi remain fragile. The Sheikh Hasina extradition dispute, changing regional alliances and domestic political pressures will continue to shape the relationship.
Ultimately, neither country can afford to disengage completely. Dialogue, mutual respect and practical cooperation will be essential if Bangladesh and India want to move beyond their current diplomatic tensions.
