Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Tarique Rahman would not visit India to attend the BRICS summit which the country is hoisting this weekend – to be attended by Russia, China and other nations.

But Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will not attend the BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12–13, with Dhaka also deciding not to send another representative.

Bangladesh says Rahman was invited in his capacity as BIMSTEC chair, rather than as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.

Foreign Affairs State Minister Humaiun Kobir said Rahman’s first visit to India should be a bilateral visit, rather than one linked to a multilateral summit.

Dhaka has indicated that Rahman could still visit India separately when the conditions are considered appropriate.

The decision comes as India and Bangladesh continue efforts to manage their bilateral relationship and discuss issues including trade and other areas of cooperation.