India Reaches Out to Bangladesh's New Leadership, Invites PM Tarique Rahman

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held a courtesy meeting with Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman, reaffirming India's people-centric ties with Bangladesh. Separately, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla represented India at the swearing-in ceremony of new Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, conveying PM Modi's wishes and an invitation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally invited Tarique Rahman, along with his family, to visit India at a mutually convenient time. The diplomatic engagements underscore India's commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with the newly formed government in Dhaka.

Key Points: India Engages Bangladesh's New Govt, PM Modi Extends Invite

  • Diplomatic outreach to new Bangladesh govt
  • Reaffirmation of people-centric ties
  • PM Modi's official invitation to PM Rahman
  • Meetings held on swearing-in margins
3 min read

Foreign Secy Vikram Misri holds talks with Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman

Foreign Secy Vikram Misri meets Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer, while PM Modi invites new Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman to India, reaffirming bilateral ties.

"deep civilisational bonds - Shafiqur Rahman"

Dhaka, February 17

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Tuesday held a courtesy meeting with Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami, Shafiqur Rahman, on the margins of the swearing-in ceremony of the new Bangladesh Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman.

The Foreign Secretary greeted Safiqur Rahman, and reaffirmed India's people-centric ties with Bangladesh. The JeM Ameer, in turn, confirmed how both countries share 'deep civilisational bonds' and expressed hope for stronger bilateral relations.

"Foreign Secretary of India Vikram Misri had a courtesy meeting with the leader of opposition of Bangladesh and the Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman on the margins of the swearing-in ceremony of the new government in Bangladesh. Foreign Secretary conveyed greetings to Dr. Rahman on his new role and reaffirmed India's enduring support to Bangladesh, underscoring the people-centric nature of the ties. Dr. Shafiqur Rahman highlighted the deep civilisational bonds shared by the two countries and expressed hope for stronger bilateral relations," read a Facebook post by Indian High Commission in Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday represented India at swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

Birla said that India stands ready to support Bangladesh's endeavours to build a democratic, progressive and inclusive nation.

Birla called on Bangladesh Prime Minister and conveyed the wishes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He handed over the invitation of PM Modi to newly elected Rahman to visit India.

He also met the President of Maldives, Prime Minister of Bhutan and other leaders on the sidelines.

Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Riaz Hamidullah lauded Birla's visit.

In a post on X, he said, "Prime Minister, H E Tarique Rahman, conveys his greetings to India and PM Hon. Narendra Modi to the visiting Lok Sabha Speaker, HE Om Birla, at courtesy meet following swearing-in of the new Government. Hon Speaker conveyed wishes from India & Invitation to India. Both leaders expressed optimism to work together for wellbeing of the people of Bangladesh & India pursuing people-centric menu of cooperation."

Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday extended a warm invitation to Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman and newly appointed Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Tarique Rahman, to visit India at a mutually convenient time. In his letter, PM Modi also invited Tarique's wife, Zubaida Rahman, and daughter, Zaima, to accompany him.

"I take this opportunity to invite you, along with Dr. Zubaida Rahman and your daughter Zaima, on a visit to India at a mutually convenient time. A warm welcome awaits you in India. Please accept, Excellency, my best wishes for your good health and success and for the continued progress and prosperity of the people of Bangladesh," the letter from the PM stated.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Interesting to see engagement with Jamaat-e-Islami. While diplomacy is necessary, we must be very clear-eyed. Our security concerns regarding extremist ideologies cannot be compromised for the sake of diplomacy. Hope our officials are keeping that in mind.
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Aman W
Good move. Bangladesh is our brother nation. The cultural and people-to-people ties are ancient. We share so much—from rivers to films to food. Any government there, we should work with them for mutual progress. More connectivity projects please!
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Sarah B
The invitation to the PM's family is a nice diplomatic touch, shows warmth. Building strong personal rapport between leaders often helps in smoother bilateral relations. Hope the visit happens soon and yields concrete outcomes on trade and water sharing.
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Karthik V
I have a slightly different take. While engagement is good, the article reads like a series of press releases. I wish there was more critical analysis on what these meetings *actually* mean for issues like the Teesta water dispute or border management. The "people-centric" line needs more substance.
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Nisha Z
Lok Sabha Speaker representing India is a significant gesture. It shows the importance we give to parliamentary democracy in the region. Jai Hind!

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