Tarique Rahman To Attend BRICS Summit? Bangladesh FM Keeps Mum As India Awaits Confirmation

India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit on September 12 and 13 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The expanded grouping is expected to discuss global trade, finance, technology, energy security and reforms to international governance, amid major global challenges including the economic impact of the West Asia crisis.

Khalilur Rahman said at a press briefing in New York on Tuesday: “I’m not here (in a) national capacity, so please forgive me... I will really ask all of you to ask me questions or approach me in my capacity as the President of the General Assembly. If there are bilateral issues, I’m still the Foreign Minister; I’ll speak to you separately.”

Rahman assumed office as President of the 81st UN General Assembly on Tuesday. His comments came as Bangladesh has yet to make a final decision on the prime minister’s India visit.

India has invited Tarique Rahman to the BRICS outreach session in his capacity as BIMSTEC chair, rather than as a BRICS member. Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman had earlier said Dhaka was reviewing the invitation.

India too has no confirmation. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal has said there is “no new information” on whether the Bangladeshi prime minister will attend the September 12–13 summit.

The uncertainty is significant amid strained India-Bangladesh ties, particularly following India’s decision to provide political asylum to former prime minister Sheikh Hasina after her ouster in August 2024. Bangladesh’s participation is therefore being closely watched.

BRICS originally comprised Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. It expanded in 2024 with Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the UAE, while Indonesia joined in 2025, taking the grouping to 11 members.