Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina are set to engage in comprehensive discussions on Saturday to invigorate bilateral relations between the two nations.
Shortly after Sheikh Hasina’s arrival in India for a two-day state visit, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with her to discuss various bilateral issues.
“Delighted to call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh this evening. Her state visit to India underscores our close and enduring ties. Appreciate her guidance on further developing our special partnership,” S. Jaishankar expressed on social media.
According to External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, Bangladesh holds a pivotal role as a trusted neighbour and strategic partner of India, and Sheikh Hasina’s visit aims to bolster the celebrated bilateral relationship.
This marks the first incoming bilateral state visit by a foreign leader following India’s recent Lok Sabha elections. Sheikh Hasina was warmly received at the airport by Minister of State in the External Affairs Ministry, Kirti Vardhan Singh.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sheikh Hasina are slated to engage in extensive talks on Saturday, focusing on solidifying agreements across various sectors of cooperation.
Sheikh Hasina was among seven regional leaders who attended the swearing-in ceremony of Narendra Modi and the Union council of ministers earlier this month. During her visit, she is also scheduled to meet with President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar.
The discussions between the two Prime Ministers are anticipated to elevate bilateral ties to new heights, according to official sources.
India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy underscores the significance of Bangladesh as a key partner. Cooperation between the two nations spans security, trade, commerce, energy, connectivity, science and technology, defense, and maritime affairs.
Key achievements include the inauguration of the Maitri Setu bridge over the river Feni in Tripura and the operationalization of the Chilahati-Haldibari rail link.
Bangladesh holds the distinction of being India’s largest development partner, with substantial Line of Credit commitments directed towards its development.
Trade relations are robust, with Bangladesh serving as India’s largest export destination in Asia, with approximately USD 2 billion in Bangladeshi exports to India during the 2022-23 period.
The extensive 4096.7 km border between the two nations marks the longest land boundary India shares with any of its neighbors. Collaborative efforts encompass police cooperation, anti-corruption initiatives, combating illicit drug trafficking, fake currency, and human trafficking.
