Tarique Rahman Receives PM Modi’s Invitation to India Amidst Evolving Bilateral Ties

New Delhi, February 17, 2026 – The recent diplomatic outreach, centred on the PM Modi invitation to Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, marks a major step in reshaping India–Bangladesh relations. This gesture reflects New Delhi’s intention to engage constructively with the new BNP-led government after a prolonged period of political uncertainty.

It began with Tarique Rahman’s invitation to Prime Minister Modi to attend the oath-taking ceremony. However, PM Modi could not travel due to prior commitments, including the French President’s visit. In his place, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla represented India.

The PM Modi invitation was delivered personally by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in Dhaka. The letter congratulated Rahman on his electoral victory and invited him and his family to visit India. Analysts see this move as a signal of India’s readiness to reset bilateral ties and rebuild trust.

PM Modi Invitation and High-Level Diplomatic Outreach

Delivery of the Prime Minister’s Letter in Dhaka

Indian Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman shortly after his oath-taking ceremony at the Jatiya Sangsad. During the meeting, Birla handed over a personal letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The letter congratulated Rahman on the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s landslide victory in the February 12 elections. It also invited Rahman, his wife Dr. Zubaida Rahman, and daughter Zaima Rahman to visit India at a mutually convenient time.

This was the first major diplomatic outreach from New Delhi to the new government. It reflects India’s intent to engage early and positively with the BNP leadership.

Message of Cooperation and Mutual Prosperity

In his letter, Prime Minister Modi stressed the importance of regional cooperation. He highlighted shared history, cultural ties, and economic interdependence between the two nations.

Modi stated that India and Bangladesh could work together for security and prosperity. This message aligns with India’s broader neighbourhood policy, which prioritises stability and partnership in South Asia.

The PM Modi invitation therefore carries both symbolic and strategic importance. It aims to open a new chapter in bilateral relations.

Political Transition in Bangladesh and Rahman’s Rise

End of Prolonged Political Turbulence

Rahman’s ascent follows a turbulent political phase in Bangladesh. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was removed in August 2024 after mass protests.

An interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus managed the transition. It supervised elections amid social unrest and economic challenges.

The February 2026 polls marked a turning point. The BNP secured 212 seats in the 350-member parliament. Smaller parties shared the remaining seats. The Awami League was barred from contesting.

Return from Exile and Policy Commitments

Tarique Rahman returned from 17 years of exile in London in December 2025. Soon after, he assumed office as Prime Minister.

He became Bangladesh’s first male prime minister in 35 years. His leadership ended decades of political dominance by Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina.

Rahman has promised democratic reforms, political stability, and institutional strengthening. He has also announced a “Bangladesh First” foreign policy.

This policy seeks balanced engagement with India, China, and Pakistan.

India’s Strategic Expectations After the PM Modi Invitation

Cautious Optimism in New Delhi

India has welcomed the political transition with cautious optimism. Under Sheikh Hasina, bilateral relations were closely aligned.

The BNP’s return introduces uncertainty. However, the PM Modi invitation suggests that New Delhi prefers engagement over confrontation.

Indian policymakers hope to expand cooperation in trade, infrastructure, energy, and connectivity.

Persistent Bilateral Concerns

Despite positive signals, several issues remain unresolved. These include:

• Border management
• Illegal migration
• Trade imbalances
• Water-sharing disputes
• Protection of religious minorities

These matters continue to influence India’s diplomatic approach. Progress on them will determine the long-term success of bilateral relations.

Prospects of a Rahman–Hasina Meeting in India

Hasina’s Exile and Legal Status

Sheikh Hasina has lived in New Delhi since August 2024. She fled Bangladesh after widespread protests.

In November 2025, Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal convicted her in absentia. The charges related to the 2024 crackdown.

If extradited, she faces a possible death sentence.

Bangladesh has repeatedly requested her return under the extradition treaty. India has declined, citing the political nature of the charges.

Low Probability of a Direct Encounter

A meeting between Rahman and Hasina during any India visit is highly unlikely.

Both leaders represent rival political traditions. Any interaction could destabilise domestic politics in Bangladesh.

Rahman has maintained a firm stance on accountability. He has shown no intention of softening his position.

Therefore, a direct meeting remains politically unviable.

Possible Diplomatic Scenarios on the Hasina Issue

Extradition as a Negotiation Tool

Rahman may raise the extradition issue in talks with India. He could link it to border or security cooperation.

However, India’s consistent reluctance makes this path difficult. Extradition would require legal and political assurances.

Such concessions may weaken Rahman’s domestic credibility.

Continuation of the Status Quo

India may prefer to maintain Hasina’s asylum quietly. At the same time, it may deepen engagement with Dhaka.

This approach avoids confrontation. It allows both sides to focus on economic and strategic cooperation.

However, continued pressure from Bangladesh could complicate this strategy.

Negotiated Political Settlement

In a low-probability scenario, Rahman may explore limited amnesty or supervised return.

This could promote reconciliation. Yet, BNP hardliners and protest groups strongly oppose such moves.

Public resistance makes this option politically risky.

External Mediation by Regional Powers

Rahman’s balanced foreign policy could invite mediation by China or Pakistan.

Such involvement may pressure India. However, it risks escalating regional competition.

This option remains uncertain and strategically sensitive.

Overall Outlook: Diplomacy After the PM Modi Invitation

The most likely outcome is pragmatic engagement. Both countries appear willing to prioritise economic and security cooperation.

The PM Modi invitation reflects India’s readiness to work with Bangladesh’s new leadership. It also signals respect for democratic transition.

If Rahman visits India, it could strengthen political trust and institutional dialogue.

However, sensitive issues like extradition, border management, and minority protection will continue to test relations.

India and Bangladesh are likely to pursue gradual confidence-building measures rather than dramatic policy shifts.

The success of this diplomatic reset will depend on sustained dialogue, mutual respect, and realistic expectations.