Against the backdrop of one of the most sensitive phases in India–Bangladesh relations in recent years, India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval held a crucial meeting with Bangladesh’s NSA Khalilur Rahaman in New Delhi on Wednesday evening. The meeting took place just hours before the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC)–NSA Summit begins in the Indian capital.
Khalilur Rahaman arrived in New Delhi a day ahead of schedule. His early arrival and prompt engagement with Doval indicate the urgency and seriousness with which both sides are approaching bilateral security concerns.
A Meeting Framed by the Hasina Verdict
This dialogue comes at a time when Bangladesh is grappling with intense political turbulence. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, removed from power in August 2024 after mass protests, is currently residing in India. The interim government’s special tribunal recently handed her a death sentence for alleged crimes against humanity committed during her tenure.
The verdict has sharply divided public opinion in Bangladesh and inevitably placed India in a delicate diplomatic position. While New Delhi has maintained silence on the internal judicial process in Dhaka, the presence of Hasina on Indian soil adds complexity to every high-level engagement between the two neighbours.
Why the Meeting Matters Now
The India–Bangladesh relationship is built on deep historical, cultural and strategic links. Yet, the current political transition in Bangladesh, the rise of new power centres, and the shifting security landscape along the border have made coordination more urgent than ever.
According to diplomatic observers, the following issues likely formed the basis of the Doval–Rahaman discussion:
- Intelligence sharing: particularly concerning radical networks active near the border and within the Bay of Bengal region.
- Border management: including drug trafficking, illegal crossings, and increased militant movement in recent months.
- Maritime cooperation: ahead of Bangladesh chairing this year’s CSC, which focuses on security in the Indian Ocean region.
- Stability in Bangladesh: and how regional partners can prevent unrest from spilling across borders.
A Possible Thaw After Months of Distance
Since the interim government took charge in Dhaka, India has maintained a measured diplomatic posture. New Delhi avoided early, high-profile engagement with the new administration, mindful of both regional optics and Hasina’s presence in India.
However, the invitation to Rahaman — and the tone of the meeting — suggests New Delhi is now willing to resume structured security dialogue. For Bangladesh too, participation at this level signals a desire to stabilise ties with India, especially as it prepares to host the CSC summit.
What Wasn’t Announced
Despite the importance of the meeting, neither side has publicly disclosed specific outcomes. This silence is not unusual in high-level security talks, but the absence of a joint statement suggests discussions involved highly sensitive subjects.
Key unanswered questions include:
- Whether Hasina’s status in India was addressed.
- Whether any new intelligence-sharing mechanisms or border cooperation frameworks were agreed upon.
- Whether Bangladesh sought India’s support or neutrality regarding its internal political proceedings.
Looking Ahead
Rahaman’s visit and the broader CSC platform offer both countries an opportunity to recalibrate their security relationship at a time of uncertainty. While political tensions persist, India and Bangladesh remain deeply interdependent on strategic, economic and regional fronts.
As Dhaka prepares to chair the CSC meeting, all eyes will be on how the two neighbours navigate their complex but vital partnership — and whether this meeting marks the beginning of a more open phase of engagement despite the shadows cast by the Hasina verdict.