India Invites Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to BRICS Summit

The Government of India has invited Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to attend the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12-13, 2026, as a special guest. Although Bangladesh is not a member or observer of the grouping, the invitation aligns with the summit's theme of "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability." Bangladesh State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam confirmed the invitation was received and forwarded to the Prime Minister's Office for a decision.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has not yet confirmed his attendance. Reports suggest he is concerned about domestic backlash while former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina remains in India. The invitation comes as both nations attempt to normalize diplomatic ties following the fall of the Hasina government in August 2024. Bilateral tensions persist over the extradition of Sheikh Hasina and the renewal of the 1996 Ganga water treaty.

India has taken several steps to rebuild relations, including resuming tourist visas for Bangladeshi citizens in June and granting Union Cabinet Minister status to Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi. In response, Bangladesh plans to appoint foreign secretary Asadullah Alam Siam as the new high commissioner to India.