India and Bangladesh relations continue facing challenges as Dhaka declined New Delhi’s BRICS Summit invitation. The summit will take place in Delhi this weekend. India invited Bangladesh Prime Minister Tariq Rahman for a bilateral visit. Additionally, New Delhi invited him as BIMSTEC chairman for the BRICS Summit.
However, Dhaka did not provide formal approval for either proposal. Therefore, the decision reflects continuing strain between both countries.
Bangladesh Missing From BRICS Guest List
The list of regional organisation leaders attending the BRICS Summit does not include Bangladesh. Meanwhile, leaders from ASEAN, African Union, Gulf Cooperation Council, Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, and Eurasian Economic Union will participate. Earlier, Bangladesh Foreign State Minister Humayun Kabir claimed that Rahman did not receive a proper BRICS invitation. He questioned how Bangladesh could attend without an invitation. Kabir asked whether the Bangladesh government received an invitation. He also said Rahman’s first India visit would not be a multilateral trip.
Dhaka Links Visit With Mutual Respect
Humayun Kabir said Bangladesh currently wants to focus more on bilateral visits and discussions. He added that visits would happen when conditions become suitable.
According to Kabir, both sides need an environment based on mutual respect. Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s current government has connected Rahman’s India visit with its demand for Sheikh Hasina’s extradition.
Sheikh Hasina has lived in India under self-exile since August 2024. Her government ended after student-led protests removed her administration.
India Confirms Formal Invitation To Bangladesh
Bangladesh also alleged that Sheikh Hasina’s virtual press conference from India affected preparations for Rahman’s first India visit. The two-day BRICS Summit will begin in Delhi on Saturday. Several leaders are reaching India for the meeting. Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Delhi late Thursday. However, uncertainty continued around Tariq Rahman’s participation.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Tuesday that no new information was available regarding Rahman’s visit.
Later, Jaiswal confirmed that India sent a formal invitation to Bangladesh’s Prime Minister. He said India would share details whenever available.
Meanwhile, senior officials from both countries continue communication. Jaiswal reiterated India’s commitment towards improving bilateral relations with Bangladesh.
He also described recent high-level diplomatic talks in Dhaka as a constructive step. Additionally, he mentioned Bangladesh’s new Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi’s meeting with President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
