India Invites Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman to BRICS Summit Amid Sheikh Hasina Row; MEA Explains the Reason

India has confirmed that Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has been invited to attend the outreach session of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, even as diplomatic relations between New Delhi and Dhaka remain under strain over the Sheikh Hasina issue.

Addressing a media briefing on Tuesday, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified that the invitation was extended to Rahman in his capacity as the current Chair of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).

MEA Explains Invitation to Tarique Rahman

Responding to questions on Bangladesh’s participation, Jaiswal said the invitation follows BRICS’ established practice of inviting leaders of regional organisations to the summit’s outreach sessions.“As far as the BRICS Summit is concerned, India has separately extended an invitation to the Bangladesh Prime Minister in his capacity as the current Chair of BIMSTEC to attend the outreach session of the 18th BRICS Summit,” Jaiswal said.

He further added:“The invitation has been extended as per the standard practice being followed in BRICS for the outreach sessions. Other heads of regional groups have also been invited in a similar manner.”

BIMSTEC comprises Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, and focuses on strengthening regional cooperation in the Bay of Bengal region.

Invitation Comes Amid Sheikh Hasina Dispute

The invitation assumes significance against the backdrop of tensions between India and Bangladesh following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024.

Hasina was later sentenced to death in absentia by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal over charges linked to the violent crackdown on student-led protests in 2024. Bangladeshi prosecutors have accused her of authorising excessive force against demonstrators, allegations she has consistently denied, calling them politically motivated.

Following her removal from office, Hasina took refuge in India, while Bangladesh’s interim administration, led by Muhammad Yunus, repeatedly sought her extradition.

Tarique Rahman assumed office as Bangladesh’s Prime Minister in February 2026.

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India Clarifies Position on Hasina’s Press Conference

The MEA also responded to objections raised by Bangladesh over reports that Sheikh Hasina would address a press conference from India on August 5.

Dhaka had reportedly conveyed its concerns to New Delhi, arguing that Hasina should not be permitted to use Indian territory for activities that could affect Bangladesh’s internal stability.

Clarifying India’s position, Jaiswal said the proposed event was not being organised by the Government of India.“The Government of India has no involvement in this. This is being organised by a private media body,” he said.

BRICS Summit Scheduled for September

The 18th BRICS Summit is scheduled to be held in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, with India hosting the meeting as the current chair of the grouping.

Leaders are expected to deliberate on major global issues, including the economic implications of the ongoing crisis in West Asia, global trade, and international cooperation.

Several prominent world leaders are expected to attend, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, the BRICS bloc expanded in 2024 to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, while Indonesia became a member in 2025.

According to the MEA, the expanded BRICS grouping now represents nearly 49.5% of the world’s population, around 40% of global GDP, and approximately 26% of global trade, highlighting its growing influence on global affairs.