Bangladesh’s newly sworn-in Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has received a congratulatory letter and a formal invitation to visit India from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, signalling a possible diplomatic reset between New Delhi and Dhaka. The letter was handed over by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who represented the Government of India at Rahman’s oath-taking ceremony in Dhaka.
In his message, PM Modi congratulated Rahman on the electoral victory of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and on assuming office as Prime Minister. He expressed confidence that Rahman’s leadership would guide Bangladesh towards peace, stability and prosperity. The letter also invited Rahman, along with his family, to visit India at a mutually convenient time, emphasising the deep historical, cultural and people-to-people ties shared by the two countries.
PM Modi had earlier declined an invitation to attend the swearing-in ceremony due to prior commitments in Mumbai with French President Emmanuel Macron. However, India ensured representation at a high level through Om Birla’s presence. Birla also conveyed the Prime Minister’s greetings personally and reiterated India’s readiness to work closely with the new government.
The outreach comes after a period of strain in bilateral ties under the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus. Indian officials are said to be cautiously optimistic about engaging with Rahman’s government, hoping for a more pragmatic approach driven by regional stability and economic cooperation.
The exchange of letters and invitations is being viewed as an early diplomatic gesture aimed at rebuilding trust and reinforcing the longstanding partnership between India and Bangladesh at a crucial political juncture.
