India Seeks Constructive Relationship With Bangladesh Amid Diplomatic Tensions

The Ministry of External Affairs of India announced on November 13, 2026, that it seeks a "positive, constructive and forward-looking relationship" with Bangladesh. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India is prepared to address all bilateral issues, including technical matters, through existing mechanisms. He noted that the next round of the India-Bangladesh consular dialogue to address revised travel arrangements will be scheduled for a mutually convenient date.

These diplomatic efforts follow a period of strained relations after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government in August 2024. Ties have begun to normalize since the Bangladesh Nationalist Party took power in February 2026, leading to the resumption of visa services and the holding of trade meetings.

Despite these steps, tensions persist over the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Hasina remains in India, and Dhaka recently rejected her request for a new passport. In separate diplomatic activity, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with outgoing Bangladesh High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah to acknowledge his contributions to bilateral ties.