Modi invites Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman to visit India

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla with Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to visit India at the earliest convenience, the government has said.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla handed over the PM’s personal invitation to Rahman during his visit to Dhaka on Tuesday to attend the Bangladesh leader’s swearing-in ceremony.

Progressive nation

“...Birla reiterated that India stands ready to support Bangladesh’s endeavours to build a democratic, progressive and inclusive nation. He also reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to deepening the enduring partnership between our two neighbouring countries,” a statement issued by the Lok Sabha Secretariat noted.

Birla congratulated Rahman, on behalf of the people of India, the statement added. Modi, who was invited for the swearing-in ceremony, could not attend because of his engagements in India.

On the sidelines of the ceremony in Dhaka, Birla met Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu and Bhutanese PM Tshering Tobgay.

After his party’s election success, Rahman had stressed that Bangladesh’s national interests and its people come first in framing foreign policy, including ties with India. He indicated that Dhaka will pursue balanced relations with neighbours and not align with any country in a way that undermines national priorities.

The presence of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in India, after her ouster, remains a politically sensitive issue causing strain between the two countries.

Published on February 17, 2026