PM Modi Invites Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman to BRICS Summit in New Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to attend the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12-13, in what is being seen as an important diplomatic outreach between the two neighbours.
Bangladesh’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam confirmed that Dhaka has received the invitation and forwarded it to the Prime Minister’s Office. According to government sources, Rahman is expected to accept the invitation, making it his first visit to India since assuming office earlier this year.
First Modi-Rahman Meeting on the Cards
If the visit goes ahead, it will pave the way for the first bilateral meeting between Modi and Rahman since the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) returned to power after the parliamentary elections earlier this year.
India is hosting the BRICS Summit as Chair for 2026 under the theme “Building Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainable Development.” Although Bangladesh is not a member of the BRICS grouping, New Delhi has extended a special invitation as part of its outreach to key partner countries.
- Opportunity to Reset Bilateral Ties
- The invitation comes amid a challenging phase in India-Bangladesh relations.
New Delhi had maintained close ties with the previous Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina, while the new BNP-led administration has adopted a different diplomatic approach. Earlier this year, Rahman travelled to China before making a visit to India, signalling a shift in Dhaka’s foreign policy priorities.
Speaking on bilateral relations, Shama Obaed Islam said Bangladesh remains committed to maintaining peace, stability and cooperation with India.
Talks Expected on Key Bilateral Issues
Sources said Modi and Rahman are expected to hold bilateral discussions on the sidelines of the summit if the visit takes place.
The talks are likely to cover:
Strengthening India-Bangladesh relations.
Trade and economic cooperation.
Regional connectivity.
Security and other issues of mutual interest.
Leaders From Expanded BRICS Bloc to Attend
The New Delhi 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. The participation of Iran is yet to be officially confirmed.
India has previously invited Bangladesh to major multilateral events, including the G20 Summit and the Voice of the Global South Summit, reflecting its continued engagement with Dhaka.
Diplomatic observers believe Rahman’s proposed visit could provide an opportunity for both countries to reopen dialogue, improve political engagement and explore new avenues of cooperation after months of strained relations.
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