India pledges strong support to Bangladesh’s new BNP government as Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla attends Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s swearing-in in Dhaka, reinforcing democratic partnership, regional stability, and enhanced India-Bangladesh bilateral cooperation.
India has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with Bangladesh following the formation of a new government led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Om Birla on Tuesday declared that India stands ready to support Bangladesh’s efforts to build a democratic, progressive, and inclusive nation.
Birla made the statement after attending the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh’s newly elected Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Dhaka. The ceremony marked a significant political transition in Bangladesh after the BNP secured a sweeping electoral victory.
In a post on X, Birla expressed his appreciation for being present at the ceremony and reiterated India’s readiness to cooperate with Bangladesh under the new leadership. He also met Prime Minister Rahman and conveyed greetings and best wishes from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During the meeting, Birla handed over a formal invitation from Modi, inviting Rahman to visit India at a mutually convenient time.
According to diplomatic sources, the meeting between the two leaders focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation and enhancing people-to-people connectivity. Both sides expressed optimism about working together to promote regional stability, economic growth, and democratic values in South Asia.
Bangladesh High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, confirmed the exchange of greetings between the two governments, emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration between Dhaka and New Delhi.
The BNP secured a decisive mandate in the parliamentary elections held on February 12, winning 209 seats with 49.97 percent of the vote. The Jamaat-e-Islami achieved its strongest electoral performance to date, capturing 68 seats with 31.76 percent of the vote. Meanwhile, the National Citizen Party emerged as the third-largest political force, winning six seats.
Prime Minister Modi had been invited to attend the swearing-in ceremony but was unable to do so due to prior diplomatic commitments, including scheduled talks with Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai.
Upon his arrival in Dhaka, Birla described the occasion as a historic moment that would further cement democratic ties between the two neighboring nations. He emphasized that shared democratic values and cultural bonds form the cornerstone of India-Bangladesh relations.
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Birla was accompanied by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and senior officials, signaling the importance India attaches to its relationship with Bangladesh.
Political observers note that India’s swift outreach to the new BNP government underscores New Delhi’s strategic interest in maintaining strong bilateral ties, ensuring regional security, and expanding economic cooperation in South Asia.
