Despite numerous efforts by India, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman recently chose not to attend the BRICS summit held in New Delhi. In response, the country has initiated efforts to arrange a bilateral visit for him.

New Delhi has resumed diplomatic discussions with Dhaka to steer bilateral relations back onto a normal course through a visit by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman within this calendar year.

This information came to light in a report published by the Indian media outlet The Indian Express on Saturday (September 19).

According to the report, discussions are underway between the two nations regarding whether the visit can be scheduled for the second half of November.

Earlier, citing diplomatic sources, another English-language Indian daily, The Hindu, reported on Friday that efforts are underway to arrange a visit to India by Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman next November.

The Indian Express stated that this initiative for a visit by the Bangladeshi Prime Minister emerged just days after the BRICS summit of emerging economies hosted in New Delhi.

As the current chair of the regional bloc BIMSTEC, India—the host of BRICS—had invited Bangladesh; however, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman did not respond to that invitation.

The publication noted that India had previously invited Tarique Rahman to New Delhi for a bilateral visit in August, though that visit ultimately did not take place.

According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi extended an invitation for a standalone bilateral visit shortly after Tarique Rahman assumed office as Prime Minister last February.

Reports indicate that Indian High Commissioner to Dhaka, Dinesh Trivedi, along with relevant officials in New Delhi, have initiated discussions regarding the visit.

Both sides are searching for dates that align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s schedule.

Relevant circles consider Tarique Rahman's potential India visit significant amid ongoing diplomatic friction between the two countries.

Bilateral ties between Bangladesh and India faced severe strain following the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government in 2024.

Although Tarique Rahman’s assumption of office as Prime Minister created prospects for improvement in certain areas, tensions escalated again following Sheikh Hasina’s public remarks in New Delhi on August 5.

The International Crimes Tribunal in Dhaka sentenced Sheikh Hasina to death for crimes against humanity committed during the July uprising. The Government of Bangladesh has repeatedly demanded her extradition.

A primary consideration for Dhaka in determining the dates for Tarique Rahman’s visit is the creation of a "favorable environment."

According to relevant sources, this is directly linked to Sheikh Hasina's presence in India and her public statements.

Dhaka wants New Delhi to provide a clear response regarding the steps being taken on its extradition request. However, India has yet to offer a specific reply.

Consequently, while Sheikh Hasina’s extradition remains a critical issue in discussions, it also presents a complexity in arranging Tarique Rahman’s visit.

The Indian Express reports that both sides are now searching for a "middle ground" to ensure the visit can ultimately materialize.