Speaker of the Indian Lok Sabha Om Birla will represent the government of India at the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected government of Bangladesh led by Tarique Rahman, Chairman of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), on February 17.
The Speaker’s participation in this ‘important event’ underscores the deep and enduring friendship between the peoples of Bangladesh and India, reaffirming India's steadfast commitment to the democratic values that bind the two nations, said the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Sunday.
Although it was not mentioned in the MEA’s statement, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will accompany the Speaker, a diplomatic source in New Delhi told UNB.
Modi talks to Tarique over phone, reaffirms India's support
As neighbours united by a shared history, culture, and mutual respect, India welcomed Bangladesh's transition to an elected government under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, whose vision and values have received an overwhelming mandate of the people, the MEA said in a statement.
Earlier, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the swearing-in ceremony as BNP is set to form the government with a landslide victory against an alliance led by Jamaat-NCP.
"Yes, we have received the invitation from Prof Yunus," a diplomatic source from New Delhi told UNB on Sunday morning.
Meanwhile, he said, the India AI Imact Summit will take place in New Delhi from the 16th to the 20th of this month.
About 20 heads of State, including President Macron, will be hosted by India around the same time, another source from Delhi told UNB, indicating that Prime Minister Modi is unable to come but will send his representative.
The India-AI Impact Summit 2026 will mark a historic milestone in global cooperation on Artificial Intelligence. It will be the first global AI summit to be hosted in the Global South.
The Indian Prime Minister was one of the global leaders who congratulated BNP first. He spoke with the BNP chief over the phone and extended support in his endeavour to fulfill the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh.
Indian parliament pays tributes to Bangladesh’s former PM Khaleda Zia
"Delighted to speak with Tarique Rahman. I congratulated him on the remarkable victory in the Bangladesh elections," PM Modi said.
He conveyed his best wishes and support in his endeavour to fulfill the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh.
"As two close neighbours with deep-rooted historical and cultural ties, I reaffirmed India’s continued commitment to the peace, progress, and prosperity of both our peoples," said the Indian Prime Minister.
In a separate message through his X handle, PM Modi conveyed his warm congratulations to Tarique Rahman on leading BNP to a decisive victory in the Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh.
"This victory shows the trust of the people of Bangladesh in your leadership," PM Modi said.
India will continue to stand in support of a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh, he said.
"I look forward to working with you to strengthen our multifaceted relations and advance our common development goals," PM Modi said.
Indian Parliament to pay homage today to Khaleda Zia
The new cabinet members of Bangladesh’s incoming government will be sworn in at 4pm on Tuesday at the South Plaza of Parliament, with President Mohammed Shahabuddin administering the oath.
Leaders of other South Asian countries have also been invited. On the other hand, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen will represent China at the swearing-in ceremony.