Let the PM’s First India Visit Focus on Bilateral Ties

We welcome Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s decision not to attend the upcoming BRICS Summit in New Delhi. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir has clarified that India invited him in his capacity as Chair of Bimstec, while a separate bilateral invitation remains in place. We believe this is in the national interest. Our Prime Minister’s first India visit deserves enough time and political space to focus on the country’s own concerns rather than being fitted into a larger international gathering.

Bangladesh assumed the Bimstec chairmanship in April 2025 for a two-year term. Therefore, Dhaka can still participate actively in the BRICS Summit, even if the Prime Minister does not attend personally. A government representative can uphold the country’s role and promote its interests there. Meanwhile, Tarique Rahman can arrange a dedicated engagement with India. The two occasions serve different purposes, and there is no reason to combine them at the expense of either. The BRICS Summit will naturally focus on wider regional and global affairs, while a separate India visit can give greater space to the issues that directly affect us.

That distinction matters because the bilateral agenda is extensive. Water sharing remains a longstanding concern, while border killings, trade imbalance, transit and connectivity, energy cooperation and people-to-people ties require sustained attention. These are not questions that can be settled through general expressions of goodwill. More importantly, a high-level meeting needs clear priorities and, where possible, specific commitments. However, we must keep our expectations realistic. Some concerns will require prolonged negotiations, but that need not prevent both sides from setting a clear direction and agreeing on ways to measure progress.

Against this backdrop, Dhaka must establish a focused policy agenda before the Prime Minister travels to India. Water sharing and river management deserve high priority, alongside stronger measures to curb border deaths and improve coordination. The government can also seek fairer trade arrangements, wider market access, smoother connectivity and stronger energy cooperation. At the same time, there is room to expand cooperation in investment, technology and climate resilience. Concurrently, Dhaka can use its Bimstec chairmanship to promote regional connectivity and economic cooperation. Thus, the two diplomatic tracks can complement each other rather than compete for attention.

In conclusion, Tarique Rahman’s decision offers Bangladesh a chance to approach its relationship with India with greater purpose and clarity. The value of his first India visit will ultimately depend on the political will to address contentious issues honestly and constructively. We expect both sides to build greater trust through regular dialogue, respect each other’s legitimate interests and keep channels open even when negotiations become difficult. A mature relationship does not require agreement on every point, but rather the confidence and patience to manage differences while steadily expanding areas of mutual benefit.