Om Birla to Attend Tarique Rahman's Swearing-in as Bangladesh Premier
Om Birla will represent India at Tarique Rahman's swearing-in ceremony in Bangladesh.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will represent India at the swearing-in ceremony of Tarique Rahman as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. The Ministry of External Affairs announced this on Sunday. Tarique Rahman's BNP won the general election in Bangladesh.
While Prime Minister Narendra Modi was invited, he declined due to French President Emmanuel Macron's visit and the AI Impact Summit. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is expected to accompany Birla. The Ministry stated that Birla's participation underscores the friendship between India and Bangladesh and reaffirms India's commitment to democratic values.
Key Facts
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will represent India.
Tarique Rahman's BNP won the general election in Bangladesh.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi declined the invitation due to other commitments.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is expected to accompany Om Birla.
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper 2: Bilateral Relations, India and its Neighborhood
Connects to India's Foreign Policy, 'Neighborhood First' policy
Potential for questions on India-Bangladesh relations, treaties, and challenges
In Simple Words
The Lok Sabha Speaker from India is going to Bangladesh for the new Prime Minister's oath ceremony. It's like sending a representative to show support and maintain good relations between the two countries.
India Angle
This is important for India because Bangladesh is a neighbor, and good relations mean better trade and security. It affects Indian businesses that trade with Bangladesh and helps ensure stability in the region.
For Instance
Think of it like attending your neighbor's housewarming party. It shows you care and want to maintain a friendly relationship, which can be helpful in the future.
For the average person, this means potentially more stable trade, better border security, and continued cultural exchange between India and Bangladesh.
Good neighbors make good fences – and good trade!
Visual Insights
India and Bangladesh
Map showing the location of India and Bangladesh, highlighting their proximity and shared border, emphasizing the importance of bilateral relations.
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More Information
Background
Latest Developments
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the key facts to remember about Om Birla's visit to Bangladesh for the UPSC Prelims exam?
For the Prelims exam, remember that Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is representing India at Tarique Rahman's swearing-in ceremony as Bangladesh's Prime Minister. Tarique Rahman's party, BNP, won the general election. Also, note that Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is expected to accompany Om Birla.
2. Why is Om Birla's attendance at the swearing-in ceremony significant in the context of India-Bangladesh relations?
Om Birla's participation underscores the friendship and strong diplomatic ties between India and Bangladesh. It reaffirms India's commitment to democratic values and continued cooperation with Bangladesh, especially after the recent general election results.
3. How might India's representation at Tarique Rahman's swearing-in ceremony impact common citizens in both countries?
The high-level representation signals continued cooperation, which can lead to enhanced trade, improved infrastructure projects like the Inland Water Transit and Trade Protocol (IWTTP), and strengthened people-to-people connections. This can positively impact economic opportunities and cultural exchange for common citizens.
4. What recent developments in India-Bangladesh relations provide context for this visit?
Recent developments include enhanced connectivity through infrastructure projects like the Inland Water Transit and Trade Protocol (IWTTP), which facilitates trade through waterways. Both countries have also strengthened cooperation in areas such as counter-terrorism and water resource management.
5. What is the significance of the Inland Water Transit and Trade Protocol (IWTTP) in the context of India-Bangladesh relations?
The Inland Water Transit and Trade Protocol (IWTTP) is significant because it facilitates trade through waterways, aiming to reduce transportation costs and boost economic cooperation between India and Bangladesh. This protocol is a key component of enhancing connectivity and strengthening economic ties.
6. What are the important dates and numbers associated with the Bangladesh election to remember for the UPSC exam?
Key dates include 2024, marking the ouster of former premier Sheikh Hasina, and Tuesday, when Tarique Rahman will assume office. Remember that Tarique Rahman's BNP won 209 seats out of 297 elected seats.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding India-Bangladesh relations: 1. India played a crucial role in the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971. 2. The Indo-Bangladesh Friendship Treaty was signed in 1975. 3. The Teesta River is a major point of contention between the two countries. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.1 and 3 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is CORRECT: India played a crucial role in supporting Bangladesh's independence during the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The Indo-Bangladesh Friendship Treaty was signed in 1972, not 1975. Statement 3 is CORRECT: The Teesta River water sharing is a long-standing issue between India and Bangladesh.
2. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding India's 'Neighborhood First' policy?
- A.It prioritizes fostering stable relationships with neighboring countries.
- B.It emphasizes connectivity, trade, and cultural exchanges.
- C.It focuses solely on economic cooperation, excluding security concerns.
- D.It aims to promote mutual growth and regional stability.
Show Answer
Answer: C
Option C is NOT correct: India's 'Neighborhood First' policy includes both economic cooperation and security concerns. It aims to build trust and address common challenges through comprehensive engagement.
3. In the context of India-Bangladesh relations, what is the significance of the Inland Water Transit and Trade Protocol (IWTTP)?
- A.It focuses on resolving border disputes.
- B.It facilitates trade through waterways.
- C.It addresses climate change issues.
- D.It promotes cultural exchanges.
Show Answer
Answer: B
Option B is correct: The Inland Water Transit and Trade Protocol (IWTTP) is instrumental in facilitating trade between India and Bangladesh through waterways, reducing transportation costs and boosting economic cooperation.
Source Articles
Bangladesh: PM Modi receives invite to attend Tarique Rahman’s swearing-in ceremony - The Hindu
Evening Wrap | February 15, 2026 - The Hindu
Morning Digest: Trade deals from position of strength, says PM Modi; India beats Pakistan to qualify for Super 8 at T20 WC, and more - The Hindu
Om Birla to attend Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman’s oath ceremony - The Hindu
Oath taking ceremony of new MPs, ‘Constitution Reform Commission’ and new Bangladesh government on Tuesday - The Hindu