Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Tarique Rahman’s India Visit Hinges on Trust
Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Tarique Rahman may be invited to India for a BRICS meeting.
Bangladesh officials say the visit is unlikely unless the two countries improve their relationship first.
They want more trust, agreement on important issues and a respectful invitation.
They also want India to better understand the protests that removed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024.
Hasina now lives in India, and Bangladesh wants her sent back to face legal proceedings.
India says it did not organize or support Hasina’s media appearance.
India also says it is reviewing the extradition request according to its laws.
Both countries say better communication between their leaders could help, but disagreements remain.
Bangladesh says Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s India visit before the September 12–13 BRICS Summit remains very slim.
Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir wants mutual trust, consensus on bilateral issues, respect for sovereignty and a dignified invitation.
Dhaka is seeking a change in India’s leadership approach and greater understanding of the 2024 protests that ousted Sheikh Hasina.
Bangladesh’s extradition request for Hasina and her political and media activities from India remain major sources of tension.
India says it had no role in Hasina’s media event, is examining the extradition request and wants stronger engagement with Bangladesh.
- Who
- Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
- What
- Rahman’s possible visit to India and attendance at the BRICS Summit remain uncertain because Bangladesh wants improved bilateral conditions first.
- When
- The BRICS outreach session is scheduled for September 12–13; Kabir’s cited interview was conducted on August 17.
- Where
- The proposed visit would be in New Delhi, India; Hasina has been living in India.
- Why
- Bangladesh wants mutual trust, consensus on specific issues, respect for sovereignty, a change in India’s approach and a dignified invitation before a top-level visit.
Dhaka’s position
New Delhi’s position
Whether Rahman should visit soon
Dhaka’s position
Bangladesh says there is no justification for rushing into a summit-level visit without clearly defined national interests, consensus on specific issues and a dignified invitation.
New Delhi’s position
India says the two leaders need to meet, and Narendra Modi has assured Rahman of an honourable and memorable reception.
India’s approach to Bangladesh
Dhaka’s position
Dhaka wants a change in India’s leadership mindset, including better understanding of the 2024 protests and respect for Bangladesh’s elected government.
New Delhi’s position
India emphasizes mutual interests, reciprocity and stronger engagement between the two leaders, while saying bilateral differences should not undermine the broader relationship.
Sheikh Hasina’s activities in India
Dhaka’s position
Bangladesh objects to Hasina receiving political or media space in India and says it will continue diplomatic efforts to prevent what it calls anti-Bangladesh activities from Indian territory.
New Delhi’s position
India says the government had no role in the event involving Hasina and did not endorse remarks made there, while the extradition request remains under legal examination.
- Proposed visitor
- Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman
- Proposed destination
- New Delhi, India
- BRICS dates
- September 12–13
- Bangladesh’s conditions
- Mutual trust, consensus on specific bilateral issues, respect for sovereignty and a dignified invitation
- Main dispute
- Bangladesh’s request for India to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
- India’s position
- India says its government had no role in Hasina’s media event and that the extradition request is under examination through established legal procedures
- Broader foreign policy
- Kabir said Bangladesh is pursuing a “Bangladesh First” policy and seeking balanced relations with major powers
Sources
Tarique Unlikely To Visit India Before BRICS Summit
‘Slim’ chances of Tarique Rahman’s India visit for BRICS Summit without ‘dignified invitation’
‘No hurry for top-level visit’: Chances of Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman’s visit to India very slim
"Slim" Chances Of Bangladesh PM Visiting India Without Mutual Trust: Top Aide
