India Confirms Dual Invitations to Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman for Bilateral Visit and BRICS Summit
18 hr ago
NEW DELHI / DHAKA — India has extended invitations to Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for both an official bilateral visit to New Delhi and participation in the outreach session of the upcoming 18th BRICS Summit.
Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), confirmed the development during a weekly press briefing in New Delhi on Tuesday in response to queries regarding diplomatic engagements between the two neighboring nations.
Twofold Invitation Extended
Responding to questions regarding Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi’s recent meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Dhaka, Jaiswal stated that the discussions covered various matters of mutual interest.
"A formal invitation to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh to visit India was extended when he assumed office in February. Separately, an invitation has also been extended to him in his capacity as the current Chair of BIMSTEC to participate in the BRICS Outreach Session in New Delhi," Jaiswal told reporters.
India is scheduled to host the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12–13. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended the BRICS outreach invitation to Bangladesh as part of the established practice of involving leaders of regional groupings like BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation).
Diplomatic sources in New Delhi indicate that South Block remains eager to host Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for a state visit.
Extradition Requests Under Legal Scrutiny
The diplomatic updates come amid heightening dialogue between Dhaka and New Delhi. During recent high-level meetings with High Commissioner Trivedi, Bangladesh reaffirmed its requests regarding the extradition of deposed former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, as well as suspects linked to the murder of Shaheed Sharif Osman Bin Hadi.
Addressing queries regarding India’s stance on these extradition requests, Jaiswal reiterated that India’s procedures remain structured and standard.
On Sheikh Hasina: The MEA spokesperson indicated that India’s role remains clear and that all matters are being reviewed in accordance with established bilateral mechanisms and procedures.
On Suspect Handover: Regarding criminal extradition requests related to the Osman Hadi investigation, Jaiswal noted that these are legal matters currently being examined alongside ongoing investigative processes.
Queries on Security Bilateral Visits
Reporters at the briefing also raised questions regarding a reported two-day visit to Dhaka by Parag Jain, chief of India’s Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), and his meeting with Brigadier General (Retd.) A.K.M. Shamsul Islam, Defense Advisor to the Bangladeshi Prime Minister.
Jaiswal declined to offer specific comments on intelligence engagements, stating he had no details on the matter and suggesting queries be directed to the relevant authorities.
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