Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s possible attendance at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi has emerged as a key diplomatic focus ahead of the September 12-13 meeting. India, which is hosting the summit under its fourth BRICS presidency, has invited Rahman to participate in the outreach session in his capacity as the current chair of BIMSTEC. However, Bangladesh has not yet confirmed whether he will travel to India.

Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman recently indicated that Dhaka had not taken a final decision on the proposed visit. He also stressed that the invitation was extended to Rahman as BIMSTEC chair rather than specifically as a BRICS member. India’s Ministry of External Affairs has separately confirmed that a formal invitation was extended to Rahman to visit India after he assumed office in February 2026, while the BRICS invitation was issued under the bloc’s established outreach format.

The delay in confirming the visit has prompted questions over the factors being considered in Dhaka. One possible consideration is domestic political pressure and the potential reaction of groups opposed to closer engagement with India. Sources cited in the report indicate that Rahman may be weighing the political message that a visit to New Delhi could send, particularly as his government assesses the broader implications of strengthening ties with India.

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Another consideration is whether Bangladesh would prefer to prioritise a bilateral engagement with India rather than participate primarily through a multilateral BRICS platform. Rahman’s earlier foreign travel, including visits to Malaysia and China, drew attention in New Delhi. Issues including the Teesta water-sharing plan and developments involving Mongla Port have also added to India’s concerns as both countries attempt to reset bilateral relations.

Several diplomatic meetings have taken place in recent days as both sides work to address outstanding issues. Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi met Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, his deputy Shama Obaid Islam and Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir before meeting the Bangladesh prime minister. Trivedi described his meeting with Rahman as positive and forward-looking, while stressing that differences between the two countries can be addressed through dialogue.

Rahman’s possible visit also carries significance because of several pressing bilateral issues, including water-sharing arrangements. The Ganga Water Treaty is due to expire in December, while the long-pending Teesta issue remains unresolved. With India and Bangladesh sharing a 4,096-kilometre border, sustained diplomatic engagement is difficult to avoid. Against this backdrop, Rahman’s decision on whether to attend the BRICS outreach session could become an important indicator of the direction of India-Bangladesh relations.

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