We Need To Meet: Envoy Says PM Modi Wants Tarique Rahman’s India Visit ‘Memorable’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s proposed India visit to be “memorable”, Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi said, as New Delhi seeks to improve ties with Dhaka despite a fresh dispute over Sheikh Hasina.

Trivedi made the remarks at an event in Dhaka on Tuesday. He said Modi had told him, “We need to meet,” and assured that Rahman would receive an honourable welcome in India. Trivedi said stronger ties between the two leaders would help people and businesses in both countries.

But Rahman’s India trip is now in doubt. Bangladesh has said it needs a “conducive environment” before the visit can go ahead. Dhaka has also linked the trip to its demand that India extradite former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

The issue has become more sensitive after Hasina’s virtual media interaction from New Delhi on August 5. Bangladesh protested the event and said it could further damage ties. India has said it had no role in the programme and does not endorse statements made there.

Hasina fled to India after being removed from power during student-led protests in August 2024. In November 2025, a Bangladesh tribunal sentenced her to death in absentia over alleged crimes against humanity. Hasina has rejected the allegations as politically motivated. Dhaka has since repeatedly sought her extradition. India says the request is being examined under its legal process.

The latest developments have raised doubts over Rahman’s possible visit for the BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13. India has invited him both for the summit outreach programme and for a separate bilateral visit. Bangladesh had earlier said no final decision had been taken. Recent reports now say Rahman is unlikely to travel to India soon and may skip the BRICS meeting.

The disagreement came just days after Trivedi met Rahman in Dhaka. He later met Modi in New Delhi, underlining India’s push for direct talks with the new Bangladeshi government.

Trivedi has urged both sides to deal with past disputes but move forward. He said mutual trust, trade and people-to-people ties could help repair relations.