India to Simplify Visas for Bangladesh Citizens Soon

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced that India will ease visa procedures for Bangladeshi citizens in the coming weeks, particularly for medical treatment and business purposes.

The announcement came during talks with Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman in New Delhi on Wednesday, amid discussions on bilateral cooperation, trade, and regional issues.

Khalilur Rahman, joined by Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir and Bangladesh High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah, also met India’s Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.

Earlier, the Bangladeshi delegation held talks with India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. Both sides highlighted the importance of advancing bilateral relations and exchanged views on key regional and international matters.

Khalilur thanked India for the recent diesel supply to Bangladesh and requested an increase in diesel and fertiliser shipments. Minister Puri indicated the request would be considered favourably.

The discussions also covered judicial cooperation and law enforcement. Khalilur expressed gratitude for India’s role in apprehending the suspected killers of martyr Osman Hadi. Both sides agreed that the arrested individuals would be returned to Bangladesh under the existing extradition treaty.

The Bangladeshi delegation reiterated its request for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, both sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal.

The talks concluded with an agreement to continue consultations on key bilateral issues, signalling a strengthened partnership between the two neighbouring countries.