Can a visit by Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman reset ties?

New Delhi’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is actively preparing for an official bilateral visit by Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, viewing direct leadership engagement as essential to stabilising fractured relations. Dhaka has reinforced this momentum with fresh calls for a decisive "reset," urging a pragmatic, interest-driven partnership grounded in mutual respect rather than past political alignments. 

While bilateral strains persist over the refuge granted to ousted leader Sheikh Hasina and unresolved border issues, pressing strategic priorities demand urgent dialogue. Key among them are critical energy and fuel deliveries to Dhaka, reviews of bilateral pacts, and negotiations ahead of the December 2026 expiration of the 30-year Ganga Water Sharing Treaty. With Dhaka insisting on formal bilateral talks over sideline encounters, a reciprocal summit could prove pivotal in converting cautious overtures into sustained cooperation.