Bangladesh Seeks to Resolve ‘Irritations’ in Ties with India as BRICS Summit Invitation Under Review

Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman has stressed the importance of resolving the "some irritations" that continue to affect relations between Bangladesh and India, while confirming that the government is reviewing India's invitation for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to attend the upcoming BRICS Summit in New Delhi.

Speaking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday after a courtesy meeting with Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi, the foreign minister said both sides recognize the need to improve bilateral ties through continued engagement.

"We did not discuss any specific issue in detail. There are some irritations. He knows it, and I know it as well. It is very important to resolve them. Everyone understands that necessity," Dr. Khalilur said.

India has invited Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to participate in the 18th BRICS Summit, scheduled to take place in New Delhi on September 12-13. The summit will focus on global cooperation, sustainable development, trade and innovation under India's chairmanship.

Responding to questions regarding the invitation, the foreign minister said Bangladesh is carefully evaluating the matter before making a final decision.

"We are reviewing it now. Once a decision is made, we will inform everyone immediately," he said.

Dr. Khalilur noted that the meeting with the Indian envoy was primarily a courtesy call and did not involve detailed negotiations on pending bilateral issues. However, he emphasized that both countries remain committed to resetting and strengthening their relationship based on mutual respect and sovereign equality.

He said Bangladesh intends to move forward with India while ensuring that its national interests remain fully protected.

"We both agree that our bilateral relations should progress on the basis of sovereign equality, taking into account the interests of both countries as well as Bangladesh's national priorities," he added.

The foreign minister also mentioned that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has received invitations to several major international events, including the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in New York. According to him, the government is considering all diplomatic commitments before finalizing the Prime Minister's travel schedule.

Dr. Khalilur recalled his recent meeting with India's External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar in Manila, where both sides expressed optimism about further expanding cooperation between the neighboring countries.

Separately, Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi described his discussions with Bangladesh's foreign minister and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam as highly positive.

"There is no problem that cannot be resolved," Trivedi told reporters after the meetings. "We had excellent discussions filled with positivity, and I believe relations will move forward constructively once the Prime Minister of Bangladesh visits India."

The Indian envoy reaffirmed New Delhi's eagerness to welcome Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, describing the visit as an important opportunity to deepen bilateral engagement.

Regarding longstanding issues such as the Teesta River water-sharing arrangement and the renewal of the Ganges Water Treaty, Trivedi said both countries already have functioning joint working groups tasked with addressing those matters.

"These working groups will continue their discussions. There is no issue that cannot be settled through mutual understanding. Ultimately, our shared objective is to serve the interests of the people of both democracies," he said.

The envoy also highlighted the deep historical, cultural and people-to-people connections between Bangladesh and India, saying the relationship extends beyond geography and politics.

According to Trivedi, both governments are committed to building a stronger partnership based on mutual benefit and sustained dialogue.

India currently holds the BRICS chairmanship under the theme "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability," reflecting its focus on inclusive growth and international collaboration.

The BRICS grouping now includes Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates, while several other countries participate as partner members.

Although no concrete agreements emerged from Tuesday's discussions, officials from both countries indicated that diplomatic engagement would continue, with expectations that future meetings and high-level visits could help address outstanding concerns and further strengthen Bangladesh-India relations.