Dhaka has not yet confirmed whether Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will attend the BRICS outreach session in New Delhi on September 12–13, amid uncertainty over Bangladesh–India ties

Bangladesh has yet to confirm Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s participation in the upcoming BRICS Summit in New Delhi, despite an invitation from India to attend the grouping’s outreach session.

Bangladesh Foreign Minister and United Nations General Assembly President Khalilur Rahman declined to provide a clear answer on Tuesday when asked whether the prime minister would travel to India for the summit.

The uncertainty comes as India prepares to host the annual BRICS Summit on September 12 and 13. The meeting is expected to focus on major global challenges, including the economic impact of the ongoing West Asia crisis and the future of cooperation among emerging economies.

Foreign Minister Declines to Comment

Khalilur Rahman was asked about the Bangladeshi prime minister’s participation during a press briefing in New York.

He said that he was attending the briefing in his capacity as President of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly and requested that questions relating to bilateral matters be raised separately.

The remarks came shortly after he formally assumed charge as the president of the UN General Assembly, taking over the presidency of the world body’s annual session.

His response did not clarify whether Dhaka had accepted India’s invitation or whether Tarique Rahman would attend the summit.

India Invites Bangladesh to BRICS Outreach Session

India has invited Tarique Rahman to participate in the BRICS outreach session in his capacity as the current chair of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, or BIMSTEC.

BIMSTEC is a regional grouping comprising Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand. The organisation connects South Asia and Southeast Asia and focuses on cooperation in areas such as trade, connectivity, energy, security and economic development.

Bangladesh’s participation would allow Dhaka to engage with major emerging economies and regional partners, while also highlighting BIMSTEC’s role in strengthening economic and strategic cooperation in the Bay of Bengal region.

However, the absence of confirmation has raised questions over whether Bangladesh will participate at the political level and whether Tarique Rahman will personally attend the outreach session.

India Says No Confirmation Has Been Received

India’s Ministry of External Affairs has also indicated that there is no fresh update regarding Bangladesh’s participation.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in New Delhi on Tuesday that there was no confirmation to share from Dhaka on the Bangladeshi prime minister’s attendance at the summit.

The statement suggests that discussions between the two sides may still be continuing. It also leaves open the possibility of a late decision regarding Bangladesh’s representation at the meeting.

The final list of participating leaders is expected to attract considerable attention as India prepares for the summit.

Bangladesh–India Relations Under Scrutiny

Bangladesh’s participation is being closely watched against the backdrop of strained relations between Dhaka and New Delhi.

Ties have faced difficulties following India’s decision to provide political asylum to former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India after being ousted during a youth-led uprising in August 2024.

The issue has remained politically sensitive in Bangladesh and has added complexity to bilateral discussions involving security, trade, border management and diplomatic cooperation.

Tarique Rahman’s possible visit to New Delhi could therefore carry significance beyond the BRICS agenda. It could provide an opportunity for informal diplomatic engagement and discussions on bilateral concerns, although no such meeting has been confirmed.

BRICS Summit to Focus on Global Economic Challenges

India is hosting the BRICS Summit as the grouping’s current chair. The summit is expected to discuss global economic conditions, trade, financial cooperation and the impact of geopolitical conflicts on emerging markets.

The economic consequences of the West Asia crisis are likely to be among the key issues. Disruptions to energy supplies, higher freight costs, inflationary pressures and uncertainty in global trade have created challenges for emerging economies.

BRICS members are also expected to discuss greater economic cooperation, including trade in national currencies, financial connectivity and ways to reduce dependence on traditional global financial systems.

For Bangladesh, participation in the outreach session could offer an opportunity to engage with a wider group of major economies and explore avenues for trade, investment and development cooperation.

BRICS Expands Its Global Influence

BRICS originally comprised Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The grouping expanded in 2024 to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates, while Indonesia joined in 2025.

The expanded grouping now brings together 11 major emerging economies. Collectively, its members account for approximately 49.5 per cent of the global population, around 40 per cent of global GDP and nearly 26 per cent of global trade.

The group has increasingly emerged as an important platform for discussions on economic governance, development financing, trade and geopolitical cooperation.

The outreach session also provides an opportunity for invited countries and regional organisations to engage with BRICS members without being full members of the grouping.

Bangladesh’s Participation Could Strengthen Regional Engagement

If Tarique Rahman attends the summit, Bangladesh could use the platform to underline its role in regional economic cooperation through BIMSTEC.

Bangladesh’s geographical position gives it strategic importance in the Bay of Bengal, particularly in relation to connectivity between South Asia and Southeast Asia. Cooperation in ports, transport corridors, energy, logistics and digital infrastructure could form part of the broader regional agenda.

Participation could also help Dhaka engage with countries that are important sources of trade, investment, energy and development assistance.

However, the political context means that the visit could also be closely examined for any indication of a shift in Bangladesh’s relations with India.

Final Decision Awaited

At present, neither Dhaka nor New Delhi has confirmed Tarique Rahman’s attendance at the BRICS Summit. The Bangladesh foreign minister’s cautious response and the Indian government’s statement indicate that the matter remains unresolved.

The final decision will determine whether Bangladesh is represented by its prime minister, another senior official or through a lower-level delegation.

Regardless of the format, Bangladesh’s participation will be significant for regional diplomacy, BIMSTEC cooperation and the broader relationship between Dhaka and New Delhi.