Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman Invited to Attend 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi
Bangladesh Prime Minister's Invitation to BRICS Summit
File image of Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman(Photo: @chandnisin92496/X)
Dhaka, July 24: Bangladesh's Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has received an invitation from India to participate in the upcoming 18th BRICS Summit, scheduled for September 12-13 in New Delhi. The summit will focus on global cooperation, trade, and sustainable development, as reported by local news outlets.
During a press briefing on Thursday, Shama Obaed Islam, the State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, confirmed that the invitation letter from India had been received and subsequently forwarded to the Prime Minister's Office.
Although Bangladesh is not a member or observer of the BRICS group, it has been invited as a special guest, highlighting the strengthening of ties between the two nations, according to Bangladeshi media.
This invitation reflects ongoing efforts by both India and Bangladesh to enhance their bilateral relationship and foster regional collaboration.
The BRICS coalition currently includes Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates.
India's leadership of BRICS is centered around the theme "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability," which aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision articulated during the 2025 Rio Summit.
In a recent development, the Indian government elevated the status of its High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, to that of a Union Cabinet Minister, underscoring the significance of the relationship with Dhaka.
An official memorandum from the Ministry of Home Affairs stated, "The undersigned is directed to say that Shri Dinesh Trivedi, High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh, has been assigned the equivalent status of Union Cabinet Minister in the Table of Precedence (ToP) as a measure personal to him, without amending the Table of Precedence. This position in the Table of Precedence is for ceremonial functions only."
Additionally, on June 25, India resumed issuing tourist visas to Bangladeshi citizens after a nearly two-year hiatus due to the suspension following the July 2024 protests, as reported by local media.
High Commissioner Trivedi announced the resumption during his visit to the Indian Visa Application Centre at Jamuna Future Park in Dhaka, stating, "I am very happy to be able to announce the launch of general travel visas again. Visa applications can be submitted starting June 28. Urgent medical visas will continue to be provided for humanitarian reasons," according to The Daily Star.