New Delhi: Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has been invited to India twice since taking office in February, but New Delhi is still waiting for him to make the trip.
Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry also referred to the August 5 media appearance by ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Delhi as something that had affected the atmosphere between the two countries.
The issue has become complicated after Dhaka said a more favourable atmosphere was needed for Rahman’s possible India visit.
India and Bangladesh share a long border and have economic and security interests in each other. The new BNP government has sought changes in its relationship with New Delhi while also maintaining ties with China, Pakistan and other countries. “India naturally wants to understand the new government’s thinking and priorities. India also needs to understand that Bangladesh will not become anyone’s subordinate or follower,” he wrote. Tripathi does not see a refusal as a major diplomatic setback for India, but believes it would leave an important absence. “I would not call it a setback, but it would certainly leave something missing. An important space would be left unfilled. He should come, but I do not think he will visit India in the immediate future unless there is some major development at the diplomatic level.
Because he is ultimately the decision-maker, speaking directly to the prime minister is the best way for India to address these questions,. But relations have become tense since Hasina’s government was toppled in 2024 and she subsequently went to India.
He said domestic changes had also changed how Bangladesh views India, China, the United States and other major partners. New Delhi has said the BRICS invitation is separate from the bilateral invitation extended when he became the prime minister. Bangladesh has said it is still considering the BRICS invitation. He could send someone else, perhaps a representative or the foreign minister,” he said.
