India Avoids Clarifying BRICS Invitation Addressed to Bangladesh's PM Tarique Rahman

India has declined to clarify reports surrounding the invitation sent to Bangladesh's Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for the upcoming BRICS Summit in New Delhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited Tarique Rahman to participate in the "Outreach" session of the BRICS Summit. Bangladesh has reportedly been invited in its capacity as the Chair of BIMSTEC.

During the Indian Ministry of External Affairs' weekly media briefing on Friday, a journalist referred to claims from Bangladesh that the invitation addressed Tarique Rahman only as the "Chair of BIMSTEC" rather than as "Prime Minister," a move some in Bangladesh have described as disrespectful.

Responding to the question, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal avoided directly addressing the issue.

"Regarding your question on the BRICS invitation, we are currently preparing to host the BRICS Summit. The event is being organized with full preparations. We will provide updates on the invitations and technical aspects at a later stage," Jaiswal said.

Questions on U.S. Ambassador's Bangladesh Visit

During the same briefing, another journalist asked about the ongoing three-day visit to Bangladesh by U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, who is scheduled to meet Bangladesh's Foreign Minister and other senior officials.

The journalist asked whether U.S. ambassadors based in India typically inform Indian authorities about their regional engagements, noting that Gor also serves as the U.S. Special Envoy for South and Central Asia.

In response, Jaiswal said:

"Your question regarding the U.S. Ambassador's visit to Dhaka should be answered by the U.S. Embassy or the Government of Bangladesh, as it concerns those two parties."

Meeting Between U.S. Ambassador and Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka

Another reporter also sought details about a meeting held on Friday morning between the U.S. Ambassador and the Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka.

The journalist asked whether the Indian government could share any information about the discussions or exchange of views that took place during the meeting.

At the briefing, the Indian side did not provide details regarding the substance of that meeting.