Bangladesh Reviews PM Modi’s Invitation to Tarique Rahman for BRICS Summit in Delhi

Bangladesh is reviewing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to visit India for the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman said on Wednesday, indicating that Dhaka is weighing the proposal alongside other international commitments.

Speaking after a courtesy meeting with Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi, Rahman confirmed that the invitation was under consideration but stressed that the prime minister had also received several requests for overseas visits, including participation in the UN General Assembly in New York.

“ We are currently reviewing it,” the minister told reporters, adding that the government would assess all engagements before taking a final decision.

According to officials, PM Modi first invited Rahman and his family to India in February before extending a special invitation last week for the upcoming BRICS Summit.

In a statement, the Indian High Commission said Trivedi reaffirmed India’s commitment to a positive, constructive and forward-looking partnership with Bangladesh based on mutual interests and stronger people-centric cooperation. The envoy also held discussions with State Minister Shama Obaed Islam on expanding bilateral engagement.

Rahman said both countries agreed that ties should advance on the principles of mutual interest and sovereign equality, while acknowledging that certain “irritants” continued to affect bilateral relations. He said these issues would be addressed through dialogue in the coming days.

When asked whether the extradition of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been living in India since August 2024, figured in the talks, Rahman declined to elaborate, saying all outstanding matters would be discussed through diplomatic channels.

Trivedi expressed hope that Rahman’s India visit would take place soon and said bilateral cooperation could deepen in areas such as culture, music and cricket.

The meeting comes as both nations continue efforts to stabilise ties following months of diplomatic strain after Bangladesh’s political transition, while Dhaka also reiterated that its growing engagement with other countries would not come at the expense of any existing partnership.