Bangladesh's PM Visit to India Hangs in the Balance Amid Fresh Strains in Bilateral Ties

Bangladesh's Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is set to attend the upcoming BRICS Summit in India, but the possibility of his visit remains uncertain amidst fresh strains in bilateral ties.

The Bangladesh government has been seeking the extradition of deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India, who was sentenced to death in absentia by a special tribunal in Bangladesh in November 2025 over alleged 'crimes against humanity' during the crackdown on protesters during the youth-led movement.

The issue has caused anger in Bangladesh, with the government lodging diplomatic protests with India over the matter and vowing to continue using diplomatic channels to prevent what it described as anti-Bangladesh activities from Indian territory.

According to sources, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has conveyed that the two leaders need to meet and that he wants Rahman's proposed visit to India to be 'memorable'. However, the future course of Bangladesh-India relations and any visit by Rahman would depend on a change in the approach of the Indian leadership and its understanding of the political developments in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh's Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir emphasized that Dhaka is in no hurry to arrange a top-level visit without clearly defined national interests. He stated that the visit's fate now depends on a change in India's approach and understanding of Bangladesh's political developments.

Kobir also expressed resentment over deposed prime minister Hasina being allowed to use Indian territory for political activities and media appearances. He alleged that providing political or media space to individuals facing criminal cases or convictions is 'contrary to India's democratic etiquette'.

The Bangladesh government has already lodged diplomatic protests with India over the matter and would continue to use diplomatic channels to prevent what it described as anti-Bangladesh activities from Indian territory.

The BRICS Summit is set to take place on September 12-13, and it remains to be seen whether Rahman will attend the event. The Bangladesh government has been seeking a dignified invitation from New Delhi, and it is unclear whether India will extend such an invitation.

In the meantime, the Bangladesh government has been engaging in diplomatic efforts to resolve the issue, including lodging diplomatic protests with India and seeking the extradition of deposed Prime Minister Hasina.

The situation remains uncertain, with both countries maintaining a cautious approach. However, one thing is clear: the fate of Rahman's visit to India hangs in the balance, and it will depend on a change in India's approach and understanding of Bangladesh's political developments.

The Bangladesh government has been seeking a dignified invitation from New Delhi, and it is unclear whether India will extend such an invitation. The BRICS Summit is set to take place on September 12-13, and it remains to be seen whether Rahman will attend the event.

In the end, the outcome of the situation will depend on the willingness of both countries to engage in meaningful dialogue and resolve the issues that have been causing tensions in their bilateral relations.

A Delicate Balance

The situation between Bangladesh and India is a complex one, with both countries maintaining a cautious approach. The Bangladesh government has been seeking a dignified invitation from New Delhi, and it is unclear whether India will extend such an invitation.

A Change in Approach

The future course of Bangladesh-India relations and any visit by Rahman would depend on a change in the approach of the Indian leadership and its understanding of the political developments in Bangladesh.

A Difficult Issue

The issue of deposed Prime Minister Hasina's extradition from India has been a major point of contention between the two countries. The Bangladesh government has been seeking her extradition, but India has maintained that the extradition request is under examination in accordance with applicable law and established legal procedures.

Key Takeaways

• The possibility of Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's visit to India for the BRICS Summit remains uncertain amidst fresh strains in bilateral ties.
• The Bangladesh government has been seeking the extradition of deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India, who was sentenced to death in absentia by a special tribunal in Bangladesh in November 2025 over alleged 'crimes against humanity'.
• The issue has caused anger in Bangladesh, with the government lodging diplomatic protests with India over the matter and vowing to continue using diplomatic channels to prevent what it described as anti-Bangladesh activities from Indian territory.
• The future course of Bangladesh-India relations and any visit by Rahman would depend on a change in the approach of the Indian leadership and its understanding of the political developments in Bangladesh.