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Bangladesh’s National Security Adviser, Khalilur Rahman, made a surprise early arrival in New Delhi on November 18th, a day ahead of his scheduled visit. This sudden change in plans has ignited considerable discussion within strategic circles of both India and Bangladesh. Rahman was initially slated to arrive on November 19th but landed at the Indira Gandhi International Airport earlier in the evening, fueling further analysis of the geopolitical landscape.
The primary reason for his expedited trip appears to be the upcoming seventh meeting of National Security Advisers of the Colombo Security Conclave, scheduled for November 20th at Hyderabad House. While the official agenda focuses on regional security discussions, diplomatic insiders suggest Rahman’s early touchdown indicates more significant, behind-the-scenes dialogues between the two nations. This comes at a time when recent political exchanges have seen increased friction, making this visit particularly noteworthy.
Invited by India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Rahman is set to lead Bangladesh’s delegation. His participation is being framed by Dhaka as a testament to the interim government’s commitment to enhancing regional cooperation. This marks Rahman’s first visit to India since assuming his NSA role on April 9, 2025. Notably, prior to this appointment, he was instrumental in addressing the Rohingya crisis, advocating for humanitarian aid in Myanmar’s Rakhine province and championing initiatives like the ‘humanitarian corridor’.
Adding another layer of intrigue, Rahman met with the Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma shortly after his arrival. Officials in Dhaka maintain that regional cooperation remains a paramount concern for the interim administration, which has actively engaged with various international partners, including the US, Qatar, and China. Rahman’s accelerated schedule ahead of the Colombo Security Conclave is now the central topic of conversation, with many observing it as a precursor to deeper bilateral consultations.
