India and Bangladesh have agreed to normalise ties and bolster trade and energy cooperation, following a period of unprecedented strains. Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman met his Indian counterpart S. Jaishankar and other top leaders, marking the first ministerial visit since the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) swept the general election in February.
The two sides decided to address contentious issues, including the presence of former premier Sheikh Hasina in India and the arrest of two Bangladeshi nationals in West Bengal for alleged involvement in the killing of radical leader Sharif Osman Hadi, in a manner that does not impede progress in other aspects of the bilateral relationship.
Rahman reiterated Dhaka's request to extradite Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, who were sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal. He also thanked the Indian government for apprehending the suspected killers of Hadi.
Both sides agreed that the arrested individuals will be returned to Bangladesh in accordance with the procedures laid out in the extradition treaty between the two countries.
Jaishankar pointed to India's desire to engage constructively with the new government in Dhaka and further strengthen ties. The two sides agreed to explore proposals for deepening the partnership through relevant bilateral mechanisms.
Rahman expressed thanks for the recent supply of diesel to Bangladesh by India and sought an increase in diesel and fertiliser supplies. Indian officials said Bangladesh's request for additional supplies will be considered with availability and market conditions in mind.
