BRICS Summit 2026: Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman Will Not Attend

Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will not travel to New Delhi for the 18th BRICS Summit, Bangladesh's Foreign Affairs State Minister Humayun Kabir has confirmed. The summit is scheduled to take place at Bharat Mandapam on September 12 and 13.

Kabir said the invitation was extended to Rahman in his capacity as the current BIMSTEC chair, rather than as Bangladesh's Prime Minister. Bangladesh is not a member of BRICS but was included among countries invited to participate in the summit's outreach session.

The development comes amid continuing sensitivities in India-Bangladesh relations and marks the second time a planned India visit by Rahman has been postponed.

Bangladesh Clarifies BRICS Invitation

Responding to questions from journalists on Thursday, Kabir said Rahman had not received an invitation specifically as Bangladesh's Prime Minister.

He clarified that the invitation was linked to Bangladesh's role as chair of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).

The grouping includes India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Thailand and focuses on cooperation in areas including trade, connectivity, security and economic development.

What Is the BRICS Outreach Session?

BRICS outreach meetings allow the host country to invite leaders from nations and regional organisations outside the core BRICS membership.

These sessions provide an opportunity to discuss broader international issues, including global economic growth, trade, energy security, food security and sustainable development.

The list of invitees can vary depending on the priorities of the country holding the BRICS chair. India has used the outreach format to engage with neighbouring countries and regional groupings.

Bangladesh Is Not a BRICS Member

Bangladesh is currently not part of the BRICS grouping. However, its position within BIMSTEC gave Dhaka a regional connection to this year's outreach programme.

India's invitation to Rahman was therefore seen as an opportunity for Bangladesh to participate in discussions involving emerging economies and regional cooperation.

The absence of the Bangladeshi Prime Minister means Dhaka will not have a top-level presence at the New Delhi summit despite being among the countries connected to the outreach process.

Second India Visit Put on Hold

Rahman's absence also marks the second postponement of a planned India visit.

The Bangladeshi Prime Minister was earlier expected to travel to India on August 22, but that visit was postponed before the scheduled trip.

The proposed visit had attracted attention because of several unresolved issues between New Delhi and Dhaka, including Bangladesh's demand concerning former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Sheikh Hasina Issue Strains Ties

Relations between India and Bangladesh have remained sensitive following Hasina's departure from power and her presence in India.

Tensions increased further after Hasina addressed a virtual press conference from Delhi on August 5, marking the second anniversary of the fall of her Awami League government.

During the event, she responded to questions and commented on Bangladesh's political situation.

Dhaka objected strongly, arguing that political statements made by Hasina while in India could complicate efforts to improve bilateral relations.

Dhaka Raises Objections With India

Bangladesh's Foreign Ministry had previously raised concerns with New Delhi over Hasina's public political activities from Indian territory.

India, however, maintained that the programme was organised by a private media organisation and was not a government event.

The issue has added another layer of complexity to bilateral ties as both countries attempt to manage diplomatic differences and address outstanding matters.

Bilateral Visit May Come Later

Despite Rahman's absence from the BRICS summit, Bangladesh has indicated that a separate bilateral visit to India could still take place.

Humayun Kabir said Dhaka was preparing for a standalone visit and suggested that the timing would depend on the prevailing circumstances.

For now, the decision keeps Rahman away from the BRICS gathering while leaving open the possibility of a future India visit focused specifically on bilateral relations.