Modi Invites Bangladesh PM Rahman to Key BRICS Outreach in New Delhi

In what's shaping up to be a pivotal moment for South Asian diplomacy, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended a personal invitation to Bangladesh's recently appointed leader, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The invitation is for a special outreach session during the much-anticipated BRICS Summit, set to unfold in New Delhi on September 12th and 13th, 2026. This isn't just any invitation; it signals a potentially warming relationship and underscores Bangladesh's growing strategic importance on the global stage.

It's certainly a fresh start for Bangladesh, considering Prime Minister Tarique Rahman only assumed his high office quite recently, on February 17, 2026. This came after a significant political transition, following the resignation of his predecessor, Sheikh Hasina, back in August 2024. For a leader still finding his stride on the international scene, attending such a high-profile summit offers an invaluable platform to engage with some of the world's most influential nations.

So, why Bangladesh, you might ask? Well, the invitation isn't merely symbolic. Bangladesh currently holds the prestigious chair of BIMSTEC, the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation. This regional body is absolutely vital for fostering economic and technical cooperation among its members, all nestled around the Bay of Bengal. India, as the host nation for the BRICS Summit, has thoughtfully included key regional partners like Bangladesh to ensure a broader, more inclusive dialogue, reflecting, one might say, the spirit of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' – the world is one family.

Looking ahead, Bangladesh is also slated to host the BIMSTEC Summit in Dhaka in 2027, a milestone event that will commemorate the organization's 30th anniversary. This makes its participation in the BRICS outreach all the more pertinent, providing an early opportunity to discuss regional priorities and collaborative frameworks with a wider international audience.

Beyond its BIMSTEC role, Bangladesh has openly expressed a keen interest in becoming a full-fledged member of the BRICS bloc itself. And it seems there's some notable backing for this aspiration, with both China and Russia reportedly throwing their support behind Bangladesh's potential inclusion. Should this materialize, it would undoubtedly elevate Bangladesh's global standing and economic leverage significantly.

Adding another layer of intrigue, there's a strong possibility that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman might hold a direct bilateral meeting with his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, during the outreach sessions. Such a meeting, if it happens, would be critical for discussing bilateral relations, ironing out any potential issues, and exploring new avenues for cooperation between the two neighboring nations.

This invitation isn't entirely out of the blue, mind you. Just recently, on July 16, AKM Shamsul Islam, who serves as the Defence Adviser to the Bangladesh Prime Minister, was in New Delhi attending the 5th BIMSTEC National Security Advisor's Meeting. During his visit, he notably commended India's leadership in pushing forward BIMSTEC's security cooperation agenda. This highlights an existing foundation of collaborative efforts and mutual respect, paving the way for further engagement at the highest levels.