Official communications indicate Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited to the oath-taking ceremony of Bangladesh's newly elected Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman, scheduled for February 17. However, reports suggest that the Prime Minister's attendance is improbable due to a prior engagement with French President Emmanuel Macron. This situation raises questions about India's representation at a significant regional event and the nuanced diplomatic posture New Delhi may adopt.
Background
Bangladesh held its national parliamentary elections on February 12, resulting in a decisive victory for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman. Following the election results, Bangladesh authorities have extended invitations to various regional leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the new cabinet on February 17. This ceremony will see Tarique Rahman officially sworn in as the country's new Prime Minister. The event is slated to take place at the South Plaza of the National Parliament complex.
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The invitation to Prime Minister Modi is noteworthy given the historical context of India-Bangladesh relations. While official confirmation of the invitation is pending, sources indicate that Dhaka has communicated its plans to New Delhi.
Key Events and Timeline
February 12: Bangladesh holds its national parliamentary elections. The BNP, led by Tarique Rahman, secures a majority.
Following Election Results (Post-Feb 12): Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulates Tarique Rahman via phone.
Late Saturday Night (Prior to Feb 15): Dhaka's invitation to Prime Minister Modi for the February 17 ceremony reaches Indian officials.
February 17: Scheduled date for the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh's new Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman.
Invitations and Responses
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has received an invitation to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Tarique Rahman, the leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), as the new Prime Minister of Bangladesh. This invitation was extended alongside those to other regional leaders.
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Prime Minister Modi spoke with Tarique Rahman on Friday, congratulating him on the BNP's electoral success. He conveyed best wishes and reaffirmed India's commitment to the peace, progress, and prosperity of both nations, citing their deep-rooted historical and cultural ties.
The BNP has expressed a desire to engage constructively with India, thanking Prime Minister Modi for his acknowledgment of their victory.
Competing Schedules and Diplomatic Considerations
A primary factor impacting Prime Minister Modi's potential attendance is a scheduled bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai on February 17. This pre-existing engagement renders a trip to Dhaka for the swearing-in ceremony unlikely for the Prime Minister.
Modi's Schedule: The bilateral talks with French President Macron in Mumbai are fixed for February 17.
India's Representation: In the event of Prime Minister Modi's inability to attend, India is expected to send a senior representative. Possible attendees include External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar or Vice President CP Radhakrishnan.
Broader Diplomatic Context: Sources suggest that New Delhi may also be mindful of appearing to move too quickly towards strengthening ties with Bangladesh, particularly given past fluctuations in bilateral relations.
The Ceremony's Significance
The oath-taking ceremony of Tarique Rahman, slated for February 17, is a significant event for Bangladesh. The location for the ceremony has been noted as a deviation from tradition, moving from the presidential palace to the South Plaza of the National Parliament complex. Tarique Rahman is set to become the first male head of government in Bangladesh in 35 years following the BNP's electoral triumph. The event is expected to be attended by heads of government from approximately 13 countries.
Expert Perspectives
While no direct expert quotes are available in the provided text, the reporting implies strategic considerations influencing India's decision. The phrase "New Delhi also does not want to appear as moving too quickly towards renewed ties with Bangladesh, even though improving relations that had dropped to a fresh low remains important" hints at a cautious approach. This suggests that India might be weighing the immediate optics of attending the ceremony against the long-term trajectory of its relationship with Bangladesh under the new administration. The potential dispatch of a high-level but not head-of-state representative would align with such a measured diplomatic stance.
Findings and Implications
The information available indicates that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been formally invited to the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh's new Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman, on February 17. However, the Prime Minister's attendance is considered improbable due to a conflicting diplomatic engagement with the French President.
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Diplomatic Representation: India is likely to be represented by a senior minister or the Vice President, rather than the Prime Minister himself.
Bilateral Relations: The situation highlights the delicate balance India is striking in its foreign policy, particularly concerning its immediate neighbours. The decision on representation may reflect a broader strategy to manage evolving regional dynamics.
Regional Engagement: The invitation to multiple regional leaders underscores the importance Bangladesh places on its relationships within the subcontinent and beyond.
Further developments regarding India's final representation at the ceremony are anticipated.
Primary Sources
Timesnownews.com: https://www.timesnownews.com/india/will-pm-modi-travel-to-bangladesh-for-tarique-rahmans-swearing-in-macron-meeting-clouds-schedule-article-153614364
Hindustantimes.com: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pm-modi-receives-invite-to-attend-bangladesh-pm-elect-tarique-rahman-oath-ceremony-will-he-attend-what-we-know-101771121833609.html
Theweek.in: https://www.theweek.in/news/world/2026/02/15/will-pm-modi-attend-tarique-rahmans-swearing-in-on-feb-17.html
NDTVProfit.com: https://www.ndtvprofit.com/world/pm-modi-among-world-leaders-invited-by-bangladesh-for-tarique-rahmans-swearing-in-on-feb-17-11005620
Moneycontrol.com: https://www.moneycontrol.com/world/bangladesh-invites-pm-modi-to-tarique-rahman-swearing-in-will-he-attend-article-13828599.html
Deccanherald.com: https://www.deccanherald.com/india/bangladesh-invites-modi-other-regional-leaders-for-tarique-rahmans-swearing-in-ceremony-3899128
Onmanorama.com: https://www.onmanorama.com/news/world/2026/02/15/bangladesh-new-cabinet-tarique-rahman-swearing-ceremony.html
Businesstoday.in: https://www.businesstoday.in/india/story/after-bnp-landslide-pm-modi-invited-to-tarique-rahmans-swearing-in-ceremony-in-dhaka-516173-2026-02-15
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