India deputes Om Birla, Vikram Misri to Dhaka for Bangladesh PM-elect Tarique Rahman's swearing-in
Times of India
by TOI NEWS DESKFebruary 15, 2026
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India has dispatched Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh's Prime Minister-elect Tarique Rahman in Dhaka on Tuesday. This move underscores India's commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Bangladesh, following the latter's recent general elections where the BNP secured a decisive victory.
The BNP, led by Tarique Rahman, has returned to power after nearly two decades with an overwhelming mandate in Bangladesh's 2026 parliamentary elections. The ceremony will take place at the national parliament's South Plaza and has been extended invitations to leaders from 13 countries, including India. Om Birla’s participation is seen as a symbolic gesture of India's support for Bangladesh's democratic transition.
India's involvement is particularly significant given the shifting dynamics between the two nations. Following former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's ousting during unrest in August 2024, her subsequent exile in India, and the rise of the BNP, this diplomatic engagement aims to stabilize relations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Tarique Rahman on social media, reflecting India's recognition of the new political landscape.
The BNP's landslide victory marks a turning point for Bangladesh, with Tarique Rahman poised to assume office as prime minister. The party has secured 209 directly contested seats and leads in two others, along with an additional three from allies, totaling 212 seats. This dominance contrasts sharply with the previous ruling alliance, which had struggled to maintain political stability.
The diplomatic trajectory between India and Bangladesh will be closely monitored as both nations navigate this new chapter. India's attendance at Tarique Rahman's swearing-in ceremony signals a desire to foster cooperation and ensure regional stability, aligning with its broader foreign policy goals in South Asia. This event highlights the evolving nature of bilateral relations and their mutual commitment to democratic values.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/15/2026