New Delhi: India has extended an invitation to Bangladesh prime minister, Tarique Rahman, to attend the BRICS summit in New Delhi as a special guest, marking a fresh diplomatic initiative as both neighbours seek to strengthen ties after a prolonged period of political friction. The summit, scheduled for September 12–13, will be hosted by India under its BRICS presidency.
According to media reports, the invitation was sent to Dhaka earlier this week. Bangladesh has acknowledged receiving it, but the government is yet to announce whether Rahman will travel to New Delhi for the summit. The deputy foreign minister, Shama Obaid, said the invitation has been forwarded to the Rahman’s office.
If Rahman accepts the invitation, it will be his first official visit to India since assuming office following Bangladesh’s general election earlier this year. The visit would be closely watched as an indicator of improving relations between the two countries after a period of diplomatic uncertainty.
New Delhi had invited Rahman soon after he took over as prime minister but he chose Malaysia and China for his first overseas visits. A trip to India would also carry diplomatic power as both governments try to rebuild trust through continued political engagement.
One of the most challenging phases in the India-Bangladesh relationship came with the political developments in Dhaka in August 2024. The presence of the deposed former prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, in India was a major source of discord as the interim administration under Muhammad Yunus took a more confrontational approach towards New Delhi.
Bangladesh foreign minister, Khalil-ur Rahman, visited New Delhi earlier this year for talks with the external affairs minister, S Jaishankar. Bangladesh’s defence adviser Brig Gen AKM Shamsul Islam (Retd) also participated in the Bimstec meeting held in the Indian capital, reflecting continued cooperation on regional security issues.
The invitation comes as both countries prepare for important diplomatic changes. Bangladesh is expected to appoint foreign secretary, Asadullah Alam Siam as its next high commissioner to India, succeeding Riaz Hamidullah.
India has also strengthened its diplomatic outreach by appointing Dinesh Trivedi as high commissioner to Bangladesh. The exchange of senior envoys is being viewed as part of broader efforts to create greater political momentum in the bilateral relationship.
Although bilateral engagement has gained momentum in recent months, several issues continue to require political attention. Illegal migration remains a major concern for India, while negotiations over the renewal of the Ganges Water Treaty, which expires later this year, are expected to feature prominently in discussions between the two governments.
First summit after BRICS expansion
The New Delhi meeting will be the first BRICS summit hosted by India since the grouping expanded beyond its original five members. Along with Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, the bloc now includes Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Rahman’s participation, if confirmed, would not only underline the improving trajectory of India-Bangladesh relations but also reinforce India’s efforts to use both BRICS and Bimstec as complementary platforms for expanding regional cooperation and strategic engagement.