Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited Bangladesh’s newly elected Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to visit India with his family, signalling a fresh push to deepen ties between the two neighbours. In a congratulatory letter, Modi expressed his desire to work closely with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader to further strengthen the wide-ranging bilateral partnership.

Describing India and Bangladesh as close neighbours bound by shared history and cultural links, Modi said the relationship rests on the common aspirations of their people for peace and prosperity. He noted that the strong alignment in developmental priorities between the two countries would guide future cooperation.

Congratulating Rahman on his electoral victory, Modi said the outcome reflected the trust and confidence reposed in his leadership by the people of Bangladesh. He added that the decisive mandate showed public support for Rahman’s vision of steering the country towards stability, peace and growth.

The Prime Minister said he looked forward to expanding cooperation across several sectors, including connectivity, trade, technology, education, skill development, energy, healthcare, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges. He also underlined the need to strengthen regional cooperation and advance shared objectives.

Rahman was sworn in as Bangladesh’s Prime Minister yesterday, marking the end of nearly 18 months of political uncertainty under the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus.

India was represented at the swearing-in ceremony by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. The event was attended by senior political leaders and top military officials.

Rahman’s BNP secured a sweeping mandate in the February 12 elections, winning 209 seats and securing 49.97 per cent of the vote. The results were announced on February 13, giving the party a two-thirds majority in Parliament.