Source The Hindu
India will be represented by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla at the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh’s Prime Minister-designate Tarique Rahman, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi declined an invitation extended by interim authority chief Muhammad Yunus.
The development signals a calibrated diplomatic approach by New Delhi as political power shifts in Bangladesh following recent elections. While India has confirmed its participation at a high level, the decision not to send the Prime Minister underscores caution amid evolving political dynamics in Dhaka.
Officials said the choice of the Lok Sabha Speaker ensures formal representation without indicating a full political endorsement, allowing India to maintain working relations with the incoming government while monitoring regional stability and bilateral interests.
Tarique Rahman, set to assume office after his party’s electoral victory, has pledged to strengthen democratic institutions and rebuild international partnerships. His leadership marks a significant transition in Bangladesh’s political landscape, prompting regional players — particularly India — to carefully balance engagement and strategic assessment.
India and Bangladesh share deep ties in trade, security cooperation, connectivity, and border management. Analysts note that New Delhi’s move reflects continuity in diplomacy: engage the new government institutionally while leaving room to shape long-term relations depending on policy direction.
The swearing-in ceremony in Dhaka is expected to be attended by several regional representatives, highlighting the importance of Bangladesh’s political transition for South Asian geopolitics.
