Tarique Rahman Skips BRICS, Prioritises Bilateral Reset With India

Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is yet to make an official visit to India since assuming office in February, despite receiving invitations from New Delhi for a bilateral visit and the BRICS summit. His proposed bilateral meeting with Indian leaders is unlikely to take place before his scheduled trip to New York on September 21 to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. The delay comes as Dhaka seeks to establish what it describes as a new working relationship with India through direct bilateral engagement.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Tuesday that Rahman had received two invitations from India. The first was for a bilateral visit, followed by another invitation to attend the BRICS summit in New Delhi in his capacity as chair of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation. Jaiswal said India had not yet received a response from Bangladesh regarding the proposed visit and that there was no update on when Rahman would travel to the country.

Bangladesh State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir explained that Dhaka believes a bilateral visit should precede participation in a multilateral engagement in India. He said the timing of Rahman’s visit would depend on when discussions between the two countries lead to a mutually acceptable schedule. According to Kobir, Bangladesh wants to build a “new relationship” with India and considers a direct bilateral meeting a more appropriate starting point than attending a multilateral summit.

Also Read: Jaishankar Praises PM Modi’s Leadership, Vision And Commitment At BRICS Summit

Kobir also said Rahman’s primary purpose in travelling to New York would be to address the United Nations General Assembly. He added that meetings with other leaders, including possible discussions with US President Donald Trump, could take place on the sidelines, as such engagements are often arranged at short notice during major international gatherings. He stressed that Bangladesh’s decision regarding the BRICS summit should not be interpreted as a refusal to engage with India or other countries at multilateral forums.

Explaining Dhaka’s position further, Kobir described India-Bangladesh ties as a “working relationship” that Bangladesh wants to reset under its new government. He said the two countries should address their future ties through bilateral channels, while making clear that Rahman could still meet Indian officials on the sidelines of the UNGA if circumstances allowed. His comments indicate that Bangladesh is seeking to separate its approach to bilateral relations with India from its participation in broader international forums.

Rahman’s UNGA visit will take place as Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman presides over the 81st session of the General Assembly. Khalilur Rahman opened the session in New York on September 8 under the theme “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.” During his address, Tarique Rahman is expected to outline Bangladesh’s future outlook and priorities, while Dhaka also plans to organise a high-level side event to keep the prolonged Rohingya refugee crisis on the international agenda.

Also Read: UAE Crown Prince’s Farewell Gesture For Delhi Driver Earns Praise After BRICS Summit