PM Modi Invites Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman for BRICS Summit in New Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited his Bangladeshi counterpart Tarique Rahman to attend the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12-13, in a move that could mark Rahman’s first official visit to India since taking office earlier this year.
Confirming the development, Bangladesh State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said the invitation had been received from New Delhi and forwarded to the Prime Minister’s Office. According to official sources, Rahman is expected to participate in the summit.
First Bilateral Meeting Since Rahman Took Office
If Rahman visits India, it will be the first face-to-face meeting between the two leaders since the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) returned to power following the parliamentary elections.
India is hosting the summit as the BRICS Chair for 2026 under the theme “Building Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainable Development.” Although Bangladesh is neither a BRICS member nor an observer, New Delhi has extended an invitation as part of its outreach to key partner nations.
Diplomatic Outreach Amid Strained Ties
The invitation comes at a time when relations between New Delhi and Dhaka have been under strain.
India enjoyed close ties with the previous Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina, while the new BNP-led administration has signalled a different foreign policy approach. Earlier this year, Rahman travelled to China before visiting India, a move widely viewed as a departure from the diplomatic priorities of the previous government.
Speaking on ties with India, Shama Obaed Islam said Bangladesh seeks peace, stability and constructive cooperation with its neighbour.
Key Issues Likely to Be Discussed
Government sources said Modi and Rahman are expected to hold bilateral talks on the sidelines of the summit if the visit goes ahead.
The discussions are likely to focus on:
- Reviving India-Bangladesh bilateral relations.
- Expanding trade and economic cooperation.
- Connectivity and regional development.
- Other issues of mutual interest.
- Leaders of Expanded BRICS Bloc to Gather
The summit will bring together leaders of the expanded 11-member BRICS grouping, including China, Russia, Brazil, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia. Iran’s participation is yet to be confirmed.
India has previously invited Bangladesh to major international gatherings, including the G20 Summit and the Voice of the Global South Summit, reflecting New Delhi’s continued engagement with Dhaka.
Diplomatic observers believe Rahman’s likely visit could offer both countries an opportunity to rebuild trust and inject fresh momentum into bilateral relations through high-level dialogue.
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