Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman received 2 India invites, we haven’t heard back: MEA
India says Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman received 2 invitations
Bharatmorningnews.com – Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman received 2 invitations to visit India, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. New Delhi said one invitation was for a bilateral visit and the other was for the BRICS Summit, where Rahman was invited to an outreach session as chair of BIMSTEC.
External affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed the matter on Tuesday when asked about a possible visit by Rahman, who became Bangladesh’s prime minister in February 2026.
“On the visit of the Prime Minister, we have not heard anything. As and when we have something to update you with, we'll surely come back,” Jaiswal said.
India’s position on the two invitations
Jaiswal said India first invited Rahman for a bilateral engagement. It later extended another invitation for the BRICS Summit, linked to his role as the serving chair of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, known as BIMSTEC.
“We had invited Prime Minister of Bangladesh on a bilateral visit, as also subsequently he was invited for the BRICS Summit as Chair of BIMSTEC. So he had received two invitations, one on the bilateral side and the other for the BRICS Summit as well,” Jaiswal said.
The statement means Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman received 2 separate invitations from India, although no confirmed visit schedule has been announced. India said it has not yet received information that would allow it to provide a further update.
Dhaka’s clarification on the BRICS meeting
The issue arose after Bangladesh state minister for foreign affairs Humaiun Kobir distinguished between an invitation to the country’s prime minister and an invitation linked to the BIMSTEC chairmanship. Kobir said Rahman was not invited to the BRICS meeting specifically in his capacity as Bangladesh’s prime minister.
“How shall we go? Has anyone from the Bangladesh government been invited? Our prime minister was not invited. Who told you that our Prime Minister was invited? The BIMSTEC Chair was invited,” Kobir said.
India, however, has maintained that Rahman was invited both for a bilateral visit and to the BRICS outreach session as BIMSTEC chair. The differing descriptions reflect the sensitivity surrounding the format and timing of senior-level engagement between New Delhi and Dhaka.
India hosted the BRICS Summit and invited Rahman to its outreach session in his BIMSTEC role. BIMSTEC includes Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand, and promotes cooperation among countries around the Bay of Bengal.
India visit has not been finalised
Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman received 2 invitations but has not yet made an official bilateral visit to India since taking office. Dhaka has indicated that it wants direct engagement between the two governments to help establish a new working relationship with New Delhi.
A proposed three-day visit beginning on August 23 was postponed. Kobir said the trip would take place after both sides agree on mutually convenient dates.
For India and Bangladesh, a prime ministerial visit would provide an opportunity to set the direction of official contacts under Rahman’s administration and discuss shared bilateral priorities. Until dates are settled, however, the proposed visit remains unresolved.
Focus shifts to the UN General Assembly
Rahman’s next major international engagement is expected to be the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. He is scheduled to leave for New York on September 21.
His programme is expected to include a high-level side event on the Rohingya refugee crisis. The issue remains a major humanitarian and diplomatic concern for Bangladesh, which continues to seek broader international support.
Bangladesh foreign minister Khalilur Rahman is presiding over the 81st session of the General Assembly, being held under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
Frequently asked questions
Why did India invite Tarique Rahman?
India said Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman received 2 invitations: one for a bilateral visit and another for the BRICS Summit outreach session as BIMSTEC chair.
Has Tarique Rahman confirmed an India visit?
No confirmed travel dates have been announced. India says it has not received a further update, while Bangladesh has said both sides need to agree on suitable dates.
What is BIMSTEC?
BIMSTEC is a regional grouping of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand. It focuses on economic, technical and regional cooperation among countries around the Bay of Bengal.