Amidst strained bilateral relations, Bangladesh's National Security Advisor (NSA) Khalilur Rahman met with his Indian counterpart, Ajit Doval, in New Delhi on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Seventh NSA-level Meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC). During the meeting, Rahman extended an invitation to Doval to visit Bangladesh at his convenience.
Rahman's visit to India occurred amidst rising tensions between Dhaka and New Delhi following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government on August 5 of the previous year. This marks the first interaction between the two NSAs since the interim government assumed power in Dhaka. Contacts between the top leadership of India and Bangladesh have been infrequent since the change in government.
Rahman's arrival in New Delhi was a day earlier than initially scheduled, leading to speculation regarding the discussions planned between the two governments. He landed at Indira Gandhi International Airport on November 18, ahead of the Colombo Security Conclave meeting scheduled for November 20.
The meeting between Rahman and Doval included discussions on the Colombo Security Conclave and key bilateral issues, including security concerns. The CSC's primary objective is to bolster regional security by addressing shared transnational threats and challenges among member states. The five pillars of cooperation under the CSC are maritime safety and security, countering terrorism and radicalization, combating trafficking and transnational organized crime, cyber security and protection of critical infrastructure and technology, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
The Colombo Security Conclave includes member states India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, and Bangladesh. Seychelles participates as an observer state, while Malaysia was invited as a guest for the meeting.
Tensions between India and the interim government in Bangladesh have been evident, particularly after the July Uprising. A significant point of contention is Bangladesh's formal request for India to extradite Sheikh Hasina, who has been sentenced to death by a Bangladeshi tribunal. India has acknowledged the verdict and reiterated its commitment to the well-being of the Bangladeshi people, emphasizing peace, democracy, inclusion, and stability.
The relationship between the two countries has also seen friction over border issues, alleged false reporting by Indian media, and trade restrictions. In May, India halted imports of Bangladeshi garments and processed foods via land border points.
Rahman's participation in the Colombo Security Conclave reflects the interim government's commitment to strengthening regional cooperation. Before his appointment as NSA on April 9, 2025, Rahman served as the chief adviser's high representative for the Rohingya issue and has been involved in advocating for humanitarian assistance in Myanmar's Rakhine province.
The 56th Director General Level Border Co-ordination Conference between the Border Security Force (BSF) of India and the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) concluded in August 2025, with both sides agreeing to enhance cooperation and coordination to maintain peace and tranquility at the border.
