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Japan to advocate India's return to BIG-B during PM visit

Tokyo is expected to raise the prospect of India's re-inclusion in the BIG-B grouping during the Prime Minister's upcoming Japan tour. The move signals renewed diplomatic efforts to strengthen regional cooperation frameworks.

LSN Bangladesh · 22 October 2026

Japan is anticipated to push for India's reinstatement in the BIG-B coalition during bilateral discussions with Bangladesh's Prime Minister, according to diplomatic sources. The four-nation grouping, which previously included Bangladesh, Indonesia, India, and Japan, has been without India's participation for some time, prompting Tokyo to seek its return as part of efforts to revitalize the regional partnership.

The BIG-B framework was established to foster cooperation on development, security, and strategic matters among member nations in South and Southeast Asia. Japan views India's re-engagement as crucial to strengthening the group's effectiveness and influence in addressing regional challenges and promoting shared prosperity.

During the PM's visit to Japan, officials are likely to discuss the modalities and benefits of India's re-inclusion, alongside broader regional security concerns and economic cooperation initiatives. The diplomatic engagement reflects Japan's broader strategy of deepening ties with key Asian partners amid evolving geopolitical dynamics in the region.

Bangladesh's position on the matter will be central to any progress toward reconstituting the grouping with India's participation. The outcome of the discussions may set the stage for future multilateral engagements involving all parties.