Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson of India's Ministry of External Affairs, disclosed this at a regular news briefing held in New Delhi on Tuesday (August 4).

He said that Tareque Rahman was formally invited to visit India in February 2026 after assuming office as Prime Minister, and that invitation remains valid.

Regarding the BRICS Summit, Jaiswal said that Prime Minister Tareque Rahman has been separately invited to attend the outreach session of the 18th BRICS Summit as the current chair of BIMSTEC. He informed that according to the established practice of BRICS, chairpersons of various regional blocs that are not members are also invited to this session.

Meanwhile, in response to a question about whether the Indian government had any role in former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's participation in an event in New Delhi on Wednesday (August 5), Randhir Jaiswal said that the Indian government has no involvement in that event.

He said it is organized by a private media organization. Any opinions expressed there do not reflect the position or endorsement of the Indian government.

India is currently serving as the chair of BRICS. The 18th BRICS Summit will be held in New Delhi on September 12 and 13. The outreach session of the summit allows participation of representatives from non-BRICS countries and various regional blocs.

As Bangladesh is currently the chair of BIMSTEC, Prime Minister Tareque Rahman has received this invitation as the head of government. Alongside the summit, possible sideline meetings with heads of state and government of various countries may discuss trade, investment, economic cooperation, and various issues to strengthen bilateral relations.