Bangladesh PM Set to Skip BRICS Meet Amid Invitation Row

Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is likely to skip the upcoming BRICS summit in India, with Bangladeshs Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir saying that the prime minister was not properly invited to attend the meeting. Kabirs remarks come amid uncertainty over Rahmans proposed visit to India and the nature of his participation in the BRICS gathering. According to the Bangladeshi side, the invitation extended by New Delhi did not meet the expectations for a formal visit by the prime minister.

The development is significant as India prepares to host the BRICS summit, which is expected to bring together leaders and representatives from member countries as well as invited partner nations. Bangladeshs participation had attracted attention because Dhaka currently holds the chairmanship of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, or BIMSTEC.

Kabir has indicated that Dhaka does not consider the invitation sufficient for Rahmans attendance. The comments also highlight Bangladeshs preference for treating a possible bilateral visit to India separately from participation in a multilateral summit. The uncertainty surrounding Rahmans visit comes at a time when India-Bangladesh relations are being closely watched. The two neighbouring countries have extensive links in trade, connectivity, border management and regional cooperation, but diplomatic relations have also faced challenges in recent months.

A decision by Rahman to stay away from the BRICS summit could therefore carry significance beyond the event itself. It could reflect the current state of discussions between New Delhi and Dhaka and their differing expectations regarding high-level diplomatic engagement. Despite the uncertainty over the summit, the latest development does not necessarily close the door on future India-Bangladesh talks. A separate bilateral meeting or visit could still take place if both sides agree on the format and timing.

For India, maintaining stable relations with Bangladesh remains important because of the shared border, economic ties and regional connectivity. For Dhaka, engagement with New Delhi is similarly significant given Indias geographical and economic importance to Bangladesh. The controversy over the BRICS invitation is consequently being viewed as another test of the diplomatic relationship between the two South Asian neighbours.

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