India Invites Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to 18th BRICS Summit Outreach Session
India has invited Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to participate in the outreach session of the upcoming 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. The invitation was extended to Rahman in his capacity as the current chair of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).
What Happened
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed on August 4, 2026, that India extended an invitation to Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for the summit. Jaiswal stated that a bilateral visit invitation was previously offered to Rahman after he assumed office in February. For the BRICS summit, India separately invited him as the current chair of BIMSTEC, following the standard practice of inviting heads of regional groups to outreach sessions.
Key Highlights
- India is hosting the 18th annual BRICS summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, 2026.
- Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was invited in his role as the current chair of BIMSTEC.
- The summit will cover major international issues, including the economic consequences of the West Asia crisis.
- Expected attendees include Chinese President Xi Jinping, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
- BRICS currently consists of 11 emerging economies representing around 49.5 percent of the world population, 40 percent of global GDP, and 26 percent of global trade.
- BIMSTEC comprises seven member states: India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, and Bhutan.
Why This Matters
As the current chair of BRICS, India is convening outreach sessions alongside the main summit to include leaders of key regional organizations. BIMSTEC represents a significant South and Southeast Asian regional grouping. Engaging regional group chairs aligns with established BRICS practices to broaden dialogue on pressing global economic and political developments.
What to Watch Next
The 18th BRICS Summit will convene in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, 2026, where member states and regional invitees will focus discussions on pressing global economic challenges, including impacts stemming from the West Asia crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions
In what capacity was Bangladesh’s Prime Minister invited to the BRICS Summit?
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was invited in his capacity as the current chair of the BIMSTEC regional grouping.
When and where is the BRICS Summit taking place?
The 18th BRICS Summit will be hosted by India in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, 2026.
Which countries belong to the BIMSTEC grouping?
BIMSTEC comprises seven countries: India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, and Bhutan.
Source: Information based on official statements by Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal as reported by The Hindu.