Tarique greets Modi on 76th birthday, Indian premier responds

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday wished his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on his 76th birthday, drawing a response from the Indian leader as Dhaka and New Delhi navigate a sensitive phase in bilateral relations.

In a post on X, Tarique Rahman wrote: “Warm birthday greetings to Prime Minister @narendramodi. I wish you good health, happiness and continued success in your service to the people of India.”

Modi responded to Tarique’s message on the social media platform, writing: “Thank you, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, for your warm wishes.”

The exchange came as political leaders in India and abroad sent birthday greetings to Modi, who was born on September 17, 1950, in Vadnagar, Gujarat.

Tarique’s message comes amid continuing diplomatic engagement between Bangladesh and India despite unresolved issues in the relationship.

India recently reiterated that Modi had invited Tarique both for a bilateral visit and, in his capacity as BIMSTEC chair, to attend the BRICS summit in New Delhi.

Bangladesh did not send a government delegation to the summit, while Dhaka has said a bilateral visit could take place when conditions are conducive. 

Modi was among the first foreign leaders to congratulate Tarique following the BNP’s victory in Bangladesh’s February parliamentary election. 

The two leaders also spoke by telephone on February 13, when Modi said India remained committed to the “peace, progress, and prosperity” of the peoples of both countries. 

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