Diplomatic ties between Dhaka and New Delhi face new friction as Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman reconsidered his trip to India for the upcoming BRICS Summit. Tensions mounted after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, currently living in India, held a virtual media briefing from New Delhi announcing plans to re-enter Bangladeshi politics. Officials in Dhaka reacted sharply, warning that giving Hasina a platform on Indian soil directly undermines efforts to rebuild stable neighborhood relations.
Indian authorities had extended invitations to Rahman for a dedicated bilateral visit as well as to represent BIMSTEC at the regional summit. However, the recent political controversy has cast doubt over those engagements. While Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi met top Bangladeshi leaders in Dhaka to ease concerns and keep channels open, Dhaka remains cautious. Key discussions on water-sharing agreements and extradition demands continue, but Rahman's attendance at the New Delhi summit remains undecided.
