Bangladesh weighs invitation to BRICS summit in New Delhi amid delicate diplomatic ties
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India has formally invited Bangladesh Prime Minister Tareq Rahman to participate in the outreach segment of the upcoming BRICS summit, scheduled for September in New Delhi. While the invitation arrives as Rahman serves as the current chair of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), the Bangladeshi government has yet to confirm his attendance, citing ongoing internal deliberations.
Government officials confirmed that a diplomatic note, delivered via the Indian High Commission in Dhaka on July 14, conveys an invitation from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The correspondence highlights the significance of the 18th BRICS summit—marking the bloc’s 20th anniversary—and suggests that Rahman’s presence as a regional leader would enrich discussions centered on sustainable development, innovation, and humanitarian cooperation.
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The decision now rests with the Prime Minister, who is expected to finalize his stance following consultations with Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman. Speaking at a press briefing this week, the Prime Minister’s Advisor on Information and Broadcasting, Zahed Ur Rahman, acknowledged the invitation but clarified that a formal government decision has not yet been reached.
Diplomatic observers view the invitation as a pivotal moment for Bangladesh’s foreign policy. For several years, Dhaka has formally expressed interest in joining BRICS, with both China and Russia signaling support for its membership. Analysts suggest that the summit offers more than just a multilateral platform; it represents a significant opportunity for a high-level meeting between Rahman and Modi. Such a summit could serve as a vehicle to address the current strain in bilateral relations, which has been tested by regional political sensitivities and shifting public opinion following the mass uprising in 2024.
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Former Foreign Advisor Touhid Hossain emphasized that the government should leverage this opportunity to advance national interests. Similarly, former Ambassador M. Humayun Kabir noted that while the post-election momentum in Dhaka-New Delhi relations has been slower than initially anticipated, the summit provides an ideal venue to reset bilateral ties.
The government’s hesitation appears to be rooted in a broader geopolitical balancing act. With the current administration navigating complex dynamics with both India and the United States, observers believe the cabinet is carefully weighing the potential domestic and international implications of a high-profile engagement in New Delhi. Bangladesh has a history of participating in BRICS outreach sessions, having attended summits in South Africa and Russia in recent years, though it notably declined an invitation to Brazil in 2025.
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