Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s proposed India visit remains uncertain, with Dhaka seeking a more favourable diplomatic environment before confirming any high-level engagement with New Delhi. Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir has said the chances of an immediate visit are “very slim” unless both sides build greater trust and reach a consensus on key bilateral issues.

India has invited Rahman for a bilateral visit and separately invited him to attend the outreach session of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12-13. The BRICS invitation was extended in Rahman’s capacity as the current chair of BIMSTEC, according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

Dhaka Seeks Better Atmosphere

Kabir told Bangladesh’s state-run BSS news agency that Dhaka does not want to rush into a summit-level visit without first establishing the right conditions.

He said Bangladesh would take a positive approach towards attending the BRICS gathering if a suitable environment emerged through mutual understanding between the two countries. He also stressed trust, respect for sovereignty, diplomatic dialogue and a dignified invitation as important elements for the proposed visit.

The comments indicate that Dhaka wants bilateral concerns addressed before Rahman makes his first official trip to India as prime minister.

India Invitation Still Open

New Delhi has maintained that it wants to welcome Rahman. Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi said in July that India was looking forward to hosting the Bangladeshi prime minister and hoped the visit would take place soon.

The invitation for the BRICS Summit was separately confirmed by Bangladesh in July. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam said the invitation had reached the foreign ministry and was forwarded to the Prime Minister’s Office for consideration.

Bangladesh is not a BRICS member. Its invitation to the outreach session is linked to its current role as chair of BIMSTEC.

Visit Dates Not Finalised

Dhaka has repeatedly said that no final date has been fixed for Rahman’s India visit.

On August 13, Shama Obaid Islam said the timing would depend on the prime minister’s schedule and the progress of bilateral discussions. She also indicated that there was still time before the September summit to make a decision.

This contrasts with earlier reports suggesting that Rahman could travel to India in August. The latest official comments show that such reports should not be treated as confirmation of a scheduled visit.

Hasina Issue Clouds Ties

Relations between India and Bangladesh remain sensitive following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government in August 2024.

Hasina left Bangladesh and travelled to India after mass protests ended her rule. Dhaka has subsequently sought her extradition. India has acknowledged receiving Bangladesh’s requests and has said the matter is being examined under applicable legal processes.

The issue has become one of the most difficult subjects in the bilateral relationship. Dhaka has also criticised Hasina’s public political statements from India, while New Delhi has sought to avoid being drawn into Bangladesh’s domestic political disputes.

Trade And Security Concerns

The proposed Rahman visit could provide an opportunity for both sides to discuss broader bilateral issues beyond the extradition dispute.

Trade, border management, water-sharing arrangements, connectivity and security cooperation remain important areas for India and Bangladesh. Both governments also have an interest in maintaining stability along their shared border and preserving economic links.

Bangladesh’s leadership has meanwhile signalled that it wants a foreign policy based on engagement with multiple major powers rather than dependence on any single partner.

Dhaka Expands Global Outreach

Rahman’s government has been seeking stronger engagement with China, Saudi Arabia and other countries while maintaining ties with India.

During his June visit to China, President Xi Jinping assured Bangladesh of Beijing’s long-term support for the country’s development, according to Bangladesh’s foreign affairs adviser. Kabir also said China supported Bangladesh’s interest in BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

That broader diplomatic outreach adds another dimension to Dhaka’s efforts to recalibrate its relationship with New Delhi.

BRICS Decision Remains Key

The immediate question is whether Rahman will attend the BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12-13 and use the opportunity for bilateral talks with Indian leaders.

Bangladesh’s foreign ministry said in July that it was reviewing the invitation, while officials have since stressed that the decision depends on the diplomatic environment and the progress of discussions.

For India-Bangladesh relations, Rahman’s eventual decision will be closely watched. A visit could open a channel for rebuilding trust, while continued uncertainty would underline the depth of the unresolved differences. The future of the Tarique Rahman India visit will ultimately depend on whether Dhaka and New Delhi can create the diplomatic conditions both sides consider acceptable.