India and Bangladesh in talks for visit by PM Tarique Rahman next week

India and Bangladesh are engaged in discussions regarding a potential bilateral visit by Bangladesh's Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in the coming week, according to official sources. While the visit has not been officially confirmed, Rahman is expected to travel to India between August 21 and 25, marking his first trip to the country since assuming office.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had invited Rahman for a bilateral visit, which was followed by another invitation for Rahman as the chair of BIMSTEC for the upcoming BRICS summit, which India will host in September. Both sides seem to agree that this bilateral visit could be crucial for advancing efforts to improve ties, which have remained strained over several issues, including the extradition of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

In addition to Hasina, other issues that may weigh on Rahman's mind while finalizing his India trip include border management, domestic political optics, trade, visa normalization, and water-sharing. For India, key concerns include security issues, such as insurgent groups' activities, protecting minorities, and Dhaka's potential tilt towards China and Pakistan, particularly in defense and security matters.

India's Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, confirmed that an invitation has been extended to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh for a bilateral visit during the BRICS Outreach Session. He added that if there is any further progress, he will provide updates on the matter.

Diplomatic sources in Dhaka revealed that opposition from domestic hardliners may exist despite the invitation. Rahman is expected to visit India for the first time later this month, potentially on August 22-23. The exact dates are still being discussed over the next two days, with sources indicating that a window between August 20 and 25, as well as an engagement before August 28, is also being explored.