India, Feb. 15 -- Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader and Prime Minister (PM)-designate Tarique Rahman's invitation to PM Narendra Modi to his swearing-in in Dhaka, along with leaders of several regional and friendly nations, is a welcome gesture that points to a new beginning and a possible recalibration of bilateral relations. The move follows New Delhi's own outreach to the BNP in recent months, including external affairs minister S Jaishankar's participation in the funeral of Rahman's mother, former premier Khaleda Zia, and Modi's phone call to Rahman immediately after his victory in the general election last week. Given PM Modi's prior commitments, Speaker Om Birla will be representing India at the swearing-in ceremony.

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