Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will represent India at Tarique Rahman’s swearing-in as Bangladesh’s new Prime Minister on February 17. Accompanied by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Birla’s presence highlights India’s diplomatic outreach and enduring friendship with Bangladesh, as the BNP assumes power following a landslide electoral victory.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that Om Birla will lead India’s delegation to Dhaka for the historic oath ceremony of Tarique Rahman, who secured a sweeping mandate in Bangladesh’s 2026 general elections. The event is expected to draw dignitaries from 13 nations, reflecting the regional and global significance of Bangladesh’s political transition.
India’s decision to send the Lok Sabha Speaker, instead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, comes as Modi is scheduled to meet French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai on the same day. This strategic representation ensures India’s presence at the high-profile ceremony while balancing parallel diplomatic commitments.
Key Highlights
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India’s delegation will include Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, underscoring the importance of parliamentary and diplomatic representation
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Tarique Rahman’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party achieved a landslide victory in the 2026 general elections, marking a significant political shift in Dhaka
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The swearing-in ceremony will be held at the South Plaza of Bangladesh’s National Parliament, with leaders from 13 countries invited, including India, China, Saudi Arabia, and Sri Lanka
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MEA emphasized that Birla’s participation reaffirms India’s steadfast commitment to democratic values and the deep-rooted friendship between the peoples of India and Bangladesh
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai on February 17, ahead of Macron’s participation in the India AI Impact Summit in Delhi
India’s representation at this ceremony signals continuity in its neighborhood-first policy and reflects the balancing act of diplomacy—maintaining strong ties with Bangladesh while engaging global partners like France.
Sources: The Hindu, NDTV, Times of India, PTI