India has said its relationship with Bangladesh is improving, despite tensions following political upheaval in Dhaka.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told a briefing in Delhi today (May 12) that both sides were working to strengthen ties.
“We are taking this relationship in a positive direction,” he said.
Jaiswal pointed to recent high-level exchanges, including Bangladesh’s foreign minister’s visit to India and India’s participation in the inauguration of Bangladesh’s new government, as signs of progress.
India and Bangladesh’s ties deteriorated after deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina fled to New Delhi following the 2024 mass protests. Continuing to shelter Hasina and refusing to repatriate her soured bilateral relations, which dropped to an all-time low during the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.
The fallout saw visa restrictions imposed by both countries, attacks on Bangladeshi missions in India, and protests in Delhi.
However, there are signs of easing tensions. India is currently issuing about 1,000 medical visas daily to Bangladeshi citizens, and reports suggest tourist visa services may resume soon.
Jaiswal also said India continued to supply diesel to Bangladesh through a cross-border pipeline and was considering additional requests.
He also supported the new West Bengal government’s initiative to fence the border with Bangladesh, saying that border security is a priority for the government.
