PM Modi’s letter opened a new chapter of India-Bangladesh friendship… What did you write to Tariq Rehman, which can strengthen relations?

New Delhi: After the recent political changes in Bangladesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sent a warm and emotional letter to the new PM Tariq Rahman. This letter was handed over by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla during the swearing-in ceremony of Tariq Rahman in Dhaka. PM Modi himself could not attend the ceremony due to India AI Impact Expo-2026 and other commitments, but through this letter he has expressed his strong desire to strengthen deeper relations between the two countries.

Historic rise of Tariq Rehman

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tariq Rahman brought the BNP back to power by winning a massive majority in the recent parliamentary elections. He became the new Prime Minister of Bangladesh, taking oath on 17 February 2026, the country’s first male PM in 36 years. This victory is the result of a change after the 2024 student movement, where BNP won more than two-thirds of the seats.

What are the main points in PM Modi’s letter?

PM Modi wrote in the letter, “I extend my hearty congratulations and best wishes to you on the victory of BNP in the recently concluded parliamentary elections in Bangladesh and your appointment to the post of Prime Minister. I wish you every success in assuming the responsibilities of this high post. Your victory is a testimony to the confidence placed in your leadership by the people of Bangladesh, which gives mandate to your vision towards peace, stability and prosperity.

As two close neighbours, India and Bangladesh share a shared history, cultural ties and the aspirations of our people for peace and prosperity underpinning our deep friendship. Coordination of our development goals will become the guiding principle of future cooperation.

I look forward to working closely with you to further strengthen our multi-faceted bilateral relations, enhance regional cooperation and pursue shared goals in areas such as connectivity, trade, technology, education, skill development, energy, healthcare, cultural exchanges and people-to-people contacts.

As two fast-growing economies and ambitious societies, India and Bangladesh can be catalysts for each other’s sustainable development, cooperating for each other’s security and realizing mutual prosperity.

I invite you, along with Dr. Zubaida Rehman and your daughter Jaima, to visit India at your convenience. A warm welcome is ready for you in India. With wishes for your good health, success and continued progress and prosperity of the people of Bangladesh. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister, India.”

Why is this letter important?

This letter is not only limited to congratulations and invitations, but also openly hints at security cooperation, economic partnership and regional stability between the two countries. After the tension in the recent past, this step is being considered to give new momentum to the relations. This active diplomacy of India with the BNP government under the leadership of Tariq Rehman can prove beneficial for both the neighbours.