PM Modi Aims To Make Rahman's India Visit Memorable, Bangladesh Envoy Reveals

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's proposed visit to India to be "memorable", Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi said on Tuesday, as uncertainty continues over the planned trip amid fresh strains in bilateral relations. Trivedi said closer engagement between the two leaders could help strengthen ties and ultimately benefit people and businesses in both countries. Rahman's proposed visit to New Delhi is linked to the BRICS summit scheduled for September 12-13, but uncertainty has emerged over whether the trip will take place as planned. Bilateral relations have faced renewed tension over Dhaka's demand for the extradition of deposed former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who remains a major point of contention between the neighbouring countries.

Speaking at a reception hosted by the Indian High Commission in Dhaka for Bangladeshi business leaders and a visiting Confederation of Indian Industry delegation, Trivedi said Modi had conveyed the importance of a meeting between the two leaders. He said the Indian prime minister had also assured that Rahman would receive an appropriate welcome during his visit to India. "Prime Minister Modi just mentioned one thing. We need to meet," Trivedi said, according to a report by The Business Standard. He added that Modi had given an assurance that when the Bangladeshi prime minister visits India, he would receive the kind of reception he deserved.

Trivedi said Modi wanted Rahman's visit to be "memorable", signalling New Delhi's interest in maintaining high-level engagement despite differences between the two governments. The Indian envoy also stressed the economic importance of stronger bilateral relations. He said improved ties between the two countries would ultimately benefit ordinary people and businesses, while business communities could play an important role in helping bridge differences. India and Bangladesh share extensive economic and geographical links, making stable relations important for trade, investment and cross-border economic activity. Trivedi urged both countries to address unresolved issues while avoiding a prolonged focus on past disagreements.

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"I am not telling that you forget the past, but keep the past and sort out the differences of the past. But move on. Don't get stagnant," he said. He argued that differences were natural between "vibrant democracies" and could be addressed through dialogue and continued engagement. The envoy also acknowledged that Bangladesh has concerns about its relationship with India. He said New Delhi understood those concerns while emphasising that the relationship should be based on equality and mutual respect. "We deeply understand the concerns of brothers and sisters of Bangladesh. Definitely, there are concerns. But this is a partnership of equals," Trivedi said. Rahman's possible visit to India would come at a sensitive time for bilateral relations.

The extradition demand concerning Hasina has added to existing disagreements, while both sides face pressure to preserve diplomatic and economic engagement. Against this backdrop, a meeting between Modi and Rahman could provide an opportunity for the two governments to discuss contentious issues directly. For now, the timing and final arrangements for Rahman's proposed India visit remain uncertain. Trivedi's remarks nevertheless indicate that New Delhi is seeking to keep channels of communication open and attach importance to a direct meeting between the two leaders. The Indian High Commission's outreach to Bangladeshi business leaders also highlighted the potential role of economic cooperation in helping stabilise the broader relationship.

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