Bangladesh says PM Tarique Rahman invited to BRICS Summit in New Delhi
Dhaka, July 29
Bangladesh's Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has been invited to attend the BRICS summit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the host country, according to the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry.
"We have received the invitation and forwarded it to the Prime Minister's office for consideration, and the decision will be made by the Prime Minister", a Bangladesh Foreign Ministry official told ANI.
"As the current BIMSTEC chair, Bangladesh has received an invitation for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to take part in the BRICS Summit outreach session. This comes ahead of 2027, when BIMSTEC will mark its 30th anniversary, and Bangladesh is scheduled to host the BIMSTEC Summit in Dhaka", he added.
The official said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited Bangladesh's Prime Minister to join the outreach segment of the 18th BRICS Summit, scheduled for September 12 and 13 in New Delhi.
The BRICS group of emerging economies is a coalition of developing nations from various regions. The outreach session typically includes selected non-member countries and regional leaders. Currently, the eleven BRICS member states are Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia.
India's BRICS Chairmanship in 2026 is guided by the overarching theme, "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability ". BRICS serves as a useful platform for consultation and cooperation on contemporary issues having global as well as regional significance, and issues of global political and economic governance.
Bangladesh has expressed interest in becoming a BRICS member, with China and Russia voicing support. In this context, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is likely to join the outreach session of the BRICS Summit, and may also hold a bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Earlier on July 16, AKM Shamsul Islam, Defence Adviser to Bangladesh Prime Minister, hailed India's leadership role in advancing the security cooperation among BIMSTEC countries and urged deepening collaboration for enhanced maritime and cyber security.
He made the remarks at the 5th BIMSTEC National Security Advisor's Meeting here in New Delhi.
Islam said, "I commend India, as the Lead Country for the Security Sector, for its sustained leadership in advancing BIMSTEC security cooperation. Bangladesh remains committed to working closely with all Member States to translate our shared security vision into practical and measurable cooperation."
— ANI
Reader Comments
I hope this invitation is not just symbolic. We need tangible outcomes—better trade, connectivity, and security cooperation with Bangladesh. BIMSTEC and BRICS should complement each other for the benefit of the entire region.
Interesting move by India. Inviting Bangladesh to the BRICS outreach shows Modi's focus on neighborhood-first policy. But let's not forget China's support for Bangladesh's BRICS membership—that could complicate things. Diplomacy is a tightrope walk these days.
Modi ji is clearly trying to build bridges with Dhaka under the new PM. The border situation needs stability, and this is a smart move. But will Tarique Rahman reciprocate the warmth? Let's wait and watch. Actions speak louder than words. 🕊️
I wish the article also mentioned the humanitarian issues along the border. BRICS is about economic cooperation, but we cannot ignore the plight of minorities in Bangladesh. India should use this opportunity to raise concerns diplomatically.
BIMSTEC and BRICS—India is playing a long game here. By inviting Bangladesh to the outreach, we're signaling that South Asian cooperation is integral to global platforms. Hope this leads to stronger maritime security in the Bay of Bengal. Solid move by the MEA. 👍
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.