In the wake of Tarique Rahman assuming office as Bangladesh’s Prime Minister, both India and China have ramped up diplomatic outreach. Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma met Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman and other officials to reaffirm India’s commitment to “people-centric” cooperation, democratic governance, and multifaceted bilateral ties. Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen expressed support for Rahman’s “Bangladesh First” policy, signalling Beijing’s intent to maintain strong engagement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other Indian leaders have also formally extended invitations to Rahman, consolidating regional diplomatic links.

Indian Diplomatic Outreach

India’s High Commissioner Pranay Verma called on Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman to convey India’s desire to work constructively with the new Bangladeshi administration. Verma emphasized strengthening bilateral cooperation across multiple domains and supporting a “democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh.”

During his visit, Verma also met Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam to discuss collaboration in areas including trade, development, and people-to-people links. Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has invited Rahman to Delhi, reflecting India’s proactive engagement strategy following the transition of power in Dhaka.

China’s Engagement

On the same diplomatic front, Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen met Tarique Rahman at the Bangladesh Secretariat in Dhaka. Wen expressed Beijing’s firm support for the “Bangladesh First” policy and optimism about the future of China-Bangladesh relations. This signals China’s ongoing strategic interest in maintaining influence and cooperation in Bangladesh amid a regional power balancing between India and China.

Regional Significance

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the first regional leader to congratulate Rahman post-election and extended an official invitation to visit India. Additionally, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla attended the swearing-in ceremony and personally handed over a letter from Modi, reaffirming the high priority India places on maintaining close relations with Bangladesh. These gestures reflect India’s intent to ensure continuity in political, economic, and strategic cooperation in South Asia.

Key Entities

Newly elected head of Bangladesh government.
Led India’s diplomatic engagement with Bangladesh.
Met with Indian officials to discuss bilateral cooperation.
Conveyed support for Rahman’s ‘Bangladesh First’ policy.
Congratulated Rahman and invited him to India.
Extended official invitation to Tarique Rahman.
Attended swearing-in ceremony and handed PM Modi’s letter.
Discussed bilateral relations with Indian delegation.
Actively engaging with Bangladesh.
Engaging diplomatically with Bangladesh.
Newly led by Tarique Rahman, focus of regional outreach.

Final Verdict

India and China are signaling strong regional engagement with the newly sworn-in Tarique Rahman government. India’s proactive steps—including high-level meetings, ministerial invitations, and Modi’s personal outreach—highlight its strategic priority in Bangladesh. Simultaneously, China’s diplomatic engagement underscores Beijing’s continued interest in maintaining influence in South Asia. Moving forward, Bangladesh’s foreign policy under Rahman is expected to balance these two major powers, fostering closer cooperation while prioritizing national interests and regional stability.

Special Insight – Regional Diplomatic Activity Table

Country	Diplomatic Action	Officials Involved	Purpose
India	Courtesy call & meetings	Pranay Verma, S. Jaishankar	Strengthen bilateral cooperation, invite PM Rahman to Delhi
India	Swearing-in ceremony	Om Birla, PM Modi	Personal letter, political goodwill, high-level engagement
China	Courtesy call	Yao Wen	Support ‘Bangladesh First’ policy, maintain strategic influence
Bangladesh	Reception & discussions	Tarique Rahman, Khalilur Rahman, Shama Obaid Islam	Engage with major regional powers, balance diplomacy