Senior Correspondent, Dhaka:
India’s invitation to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to attend the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi as a special guest marks an important diplomatic development, carrying significance beyond ceremonial protocol. Although Bangladesh is not a member of the expanded BRICS grouping, the invitation reflects New Delhi’s recognition of Dhaka’s growing strategic importance in South Asia and the wider Indo-Pacific region.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam confirmed that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation has been received by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and forwarded to the Prime Minister’s Office for consideration. The summit, scheduled for September 12-13, comes as Bangladesh continues to pursue a pragmatic and balanced foreign policy aimed at strengthening partnerships with both regional neighbors and major global powers.
For India, the invitation is consistent with its “Neighborhood First” policy and underscores Bangladesh’s strategic value in regional connectivity, trade, energy cooperation, maritime security and economic integration. It also provides an opportunity for Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to hold bilateral discussions on the sidelines of the summit, potentially advancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest while reinforcing recent efforts to strengthen ties between the two neighbors.
For Bangladesh, participation in the BRICS Summit would provide a valuable platform to engage with some of the world’s fastest-growing economies. The grouping, which has expanded significantly in recent years, represents a substantial share of the global population, economic output and international trade. Attendance could enable Dhaka to deepen dialogue with BRICS members and partner countries on investment, infrastructure development, technology transfer, climate resilience, digital transformation and sustainable economic growth.
The invitation also highlights Bangladesh’s increasing diplomatic relevance despite its non-member status. It reflects the country’s ability to maintain constructive relations with multiple global stakeholders while pursuing an independent and balanced foreign policy. Participation in the summit would further enhance Bangladesh’s international profile and create opportunities to expand economic and strategic cooperation with emerging powers.
Whether or not Bangladesh eventually seeks closer institutional engagement with BRICS, the invitation itself represents a positive signal of growing regional trust and cooperation. It demonstrates Dhaka’s rising importance in shaping South Asia’s evolving geopolitical and economic landscape while reinforcing its role as a responsible and constructive regional partner.
