India has decided to send senior representatives to Dhaka for the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh’s Prime Minister-designate Tarique Rahman on February 17. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi received an official invitation, he will not attend due to a scheduled bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai on the same day.
Instead, India will be represented by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. The move highlights New Delhi’s intent to maintain strong diplomatic engagement with the new government in Bangladesh.
Why is PM Modi Not Attending the Bangladesh Swearing-In?
Prime Minister Modi will remain in India on February 17 because he is scheduled to meet President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai. Macron is visiting India for high-level engagements, including discussions linked to technology and global cooperation.
Due to this prior commitment, Modi will not travel to Dhaka. However, sending the Lok Sabha Speaker and the Foreign Secretary ensures that India maintains high-level representation at the ceremony.
The decision shows that India wants to stay actively involved in regional developments while managing its global diplomatic commitments.
Who Will Represent India in Dhaka?
India will send Om Birla and Vikram Misri to attend the oath-taking ceremony in Dhaka. As Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Birla holds one of the highest constitutional offices in India. Vikram Misri, as Foreign Secretary, leads India’s diplomatic service.
Their presence signals that India values its relationship with Bangladesh and wants to build constructive ties with the new leadership under Tarique Rahman.
What is Happening in Bangladesh’s 13th Parliamentary Elections?
The swearing-in ceremony follows a major political shift in Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman, won a landslide victory in the 13th parliamentary elections.
The BNP secured over 200 seats in the 300-member parliament, giving it a strong two-thirds majority. The election marked the first major political transition since mass protests in 2024 led to the exit of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Rahman, who spent 17 years in exile in London, has now returned to lead the country at a critical time.
What Will Happen at the Swearing-In Ceremony in Dhaka?
The oath-taking ceremony will take place at the National Parliament’s South Plaza in Dhaka. Newly elected Members of Parliament will take their oaths in the morning, administered by the Chief Election Commissioner.
Later in the evening, Tarique Rahman and his cabinet will officially assume office. Leaders from 13 countries have received invitations, including representatives from China, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the UAE, Qatar, Malaysia, Brunei, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Maldives, and Bhutan.
BNP foreign policy adviser Humayun Kabir described the outreach as a “goodwill gesture” to prioritise regional diplomacy. “The region is important to us,” he told WION. “It is an important part of the foreign policy of Tarique Rahman to make this region an influential region.”
How is India Responding to Bangladesh’s Political Change?
India moved quickly after the election results were announced. On February 13, PM Modi personally called Tarique Rahman and congratulated him on his party’s victory. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to a “democratic, progressive, and inclusive” Bangladesh.
The phone call and India’s decision to send top representatives show that New Delhi remains optimistic about strengthening ties with Dhaka.
What Does This Mean for India-Bangladesh Relations?
India and Bangladesh share deep cultural, economic, and strategic ties. After a period of political turbulence, both sides now appear ready to rebuild cooperation.
By sending senior leaders to Dhaka, India signals respect for Bangladesh’s democratic process and expresses willingness to work closely with the new government.
As Tarique Rahman prepares to take charge, regional diplomacy and bilateral engagement are expected to remain key priorities in shaping the future of India-Bangladesh relations.
