Sun Feb 22 15:48:54 UTC 2026: # India Seeks to Re-Engage with Bangladesh Following Election of Tarique Rahman

The Story:
India has expressed its willingness to re-engage with Bangladesh following the election of Tarique Rahman as Prime Minister. Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka, Pranay Verma, conveyed this message after meeting with Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, just days after Rahman’s swearing-in on February 17, 2026. This move signals a potential shift in relations after a period of strained ties during the previous administration of Muhammad Yunus.

High Commissioner Verma emphasized India’s desire to strengthen people-centric cooperation across various domains, working collaboratively based on mutual interest and benefit. He highlighted recent high-level communications, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s congratulatory message and phone call to Tarique Rahman, as well as Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla’s visit to Dhaka for the swearing-in ceremony.

Key Points:

  • Tarique Rahman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) was sworn in as Prime Minister on February 17, 2026, after the BNP secured a two-thirds majority in the February 12, 2026, elections.
  • This ends the 18-month rule of Muhammad Yunus, a period when India-Bangladesh relations reportedly reached their lowest point since 1971.
  • Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma met with Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed to express India’s desire to re-engage with the new government.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Tarique Rahman on February 13, 2026, and both leaders spoke on the phone.
  • Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla attended the swearing-in ceremony and held a bilateral meeting with the new Bangladesh Prime Minister.
  • India reiterated its commitment to support a democratic, progressive, and inclusive Bangladesh.

Key Takeaways:

  • The election of Tarique Rahman presents an opportunity for India and Bangladesh to reset and potentially improve their bilateral relations.
  • India is proactively signaling its interest in strengthening ties with the new government, emphasizing cooperation and mutual benefit.
  • The high-level communications immediately following the election demonstrate the importance India places on its relationship with Bangladesh.

Impact Analysis:

The re-engagement between India and Bangladesh could have significant long-term implications for regional stability and economic cooperation. A stronger relationship could lead to increased trade, infrastructure development, and collaboration on issues such as counter-terrorism and climate change. Conversely, a failure to improve relations could lead to increased regional tensions and instability. The coming months will be critical in determining the trajectory of India-Bangladesh relations under the new leadership.

Read More

Related News: