India has formally invited Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to participate in the upcoming 18th BRICS Summit, set to take place in New Delhi on September 12–13, focusing on sustainable development, global cooperation, and international trade.

Speaking with media personnel at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam confirmed that the foreign ministry received the formal correspondence from India and has dispatched it to the Prime Minister's Office.

Addressing queries regarding regional dynamics, the State Minister emphasized Bangladesh's commitment to democratic governance and regional peace, stating, “This is our position, and we want peace and stability to be maintained in our region.”

She further noted that as a prominent democratic nation with an elected leadership, India is expected to address its citizens' concerns and work towards a constructive resolution.

This year's summit operates under the chairmanship theme of "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability," reflecting a humanity-first and people-centered framework originally articulated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 2025 Rio Summit.

It follows the 17th BRICS Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 6–7, 2025, which centered on "Strengthening Global South Cooperation for a More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance."

The BRICS block currently comprises 11 member nations—Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the UAE—alongside partner states including Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.

Having expanded well beyond its founding focus on shared economic priorities, the grouping's work now spans three fundamental pillars: political and security relations, economic and financial cooperation, and cultural and people-to-people ties.

Its active agenda covers diverse global issues such as counter-terrorism, climate action, energy and food security, global financial structures, telecommunications, agriculture, labor, international trade, and World Trade Organization (WTO) frameworks.

In response to questions concerning a reported telephone conversation between President Mohammed Shahabuddin and convicted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, the State Minister stated that the ministry presently lacks verified details.

However, she affirmed that the government will launch an inquiry if official information surfaces.

Commenting on the upcoming visit of US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor, the State Minister expressed optimism that the visit would open a new dimension in bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the United States.

Sergio Gor, who presently serves as the US Ambassador to India, was appointed as Special Envoy to the region by President Donald J. Trump.

He previously held positions as Assistant to the President and Director of Presidential Personnel at the White House, where he oversaw the rapid hiring of thousands of political appointees across the federal government.