Reportedly PM Modi will not be attending the swearing-in ceremony of Tarique Rahman as new PM of Bangladesh on 17 February since it clashes with the his bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai scheduled weeks in advance.
Instead, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will represent India at the swearing-in ceremony.
BNP had invited PM Modi for the oath ceremony, along with the leaders of a dozen other countries, including Pakistan
PM Shehbaz Sharif.
According to foreign ministry Birla’s participation at this “important event” underscored the intense and enduring camaraderie amid the peoples of India and Bangladesh, reaffirming India’s steadfast commitment to the democratic values that bind the two nations.
In a statement MEA
said “as neighbours united by a shared history, culture, and mutual respect, India welcomes Bangladesh’s transition to an elected govt under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, whose vision and values have received an overwhelming mandate of the people.
PM Modi was among the first global leaders to congratulate Rahman on X on Friday morning, shortly after it became evident the BNP leader was going to form the new govt with absolute majority. Modi said the results reflected the trust that the Bangladesh people had in Rahman’s leadership.
Later in the day, he also became the first foreign leader to speak to Rahman and offer cooperation with him in his efforts to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh.
Importantly for India, BNP responded positively to Modi’s messages as it said Bangladesh remained committed to upholding democratic values, inclusivity, and progressive development for all its citizens.
The party said that they look forward to engaging constructively with India to advance our multifaceted relationship, guided by mutual respect, sensitivity to each other’s concerns, and a shared commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in their region.
News Edit KV Raman.
