Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh held significant bilateral talks at Hyderabad House, New Delhi, on Saturday. This marks the first high-profile foreign visit to India since the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) won its third consecutive term. The discussions covered a broad range of topics including trade, energy, defence, and connectivity, culminating in the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).
Ceremonial Welcome and Initial Engagements
Sheikh Hasina was given a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where PM Modi personally greeted her. This welcome underscore the importance India places on its relationship with Bangladesh, a key regional partner. After the ceremonial reception, the leaders, along with ministers and delegates from both nations, convened for extensive talks at Hyderabad House. Hasina also paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, a symbolic gesture reflecting the deep historical ties between the two countries.
Key Areas of Discussion and Cooperation
During the bilateral meeting, the leaders engaged in wide-ranging talks encompassing multiple areas of mutual interest:
Development Partnership: India and Bangladesh have collaborated on numerous development projects, focusing on infrastructure, education, and public health. These efforts aim to improve living standards and economic opportunities in both countries.
Trade and Economic Relations: Both leaders highlighted the ongoing trade in Indian rupees and discussed enhancing bilateral trade, which stood at $15.9 billion for the year 2022-23. Bangladesh remains India’s largest trading partner in South Asia, while India is the second-largest trading partner for Bangladesh in Asia.
Energy Cooperation: The discussions covered cross-border energy projects, including the export of electricity from Nepal to Bangladesh through the Indian grid and the establishment of the world’s longest river cruise on the Ganges River.
Defence Cooperation: The signing of MoUs included agreements on defence collaboration, reflecting a deepening of strategic and security ties.
Connectivity: The two countries are advancing connectivity initiatives, such as the Maitri Setu bridge over the Feni River in Tripura and the Chilahati-Haldibari rail link, which are expected to boost trade and movement of people.
Signing of MoUs
The leaders witnessed the signing of several MoUs covering critical areas like digital partnership, green energy, health, and railway connectivity. These agreements are aimed at fostering closer cooperation and shared growth. PM Modi emphasized the significance of these initiatives, stating, “Implementing such a big initiative in so many areas in just one year reflects the speed and scale of our relations.”
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
PM Modi highlighted the importance of Sheikh Hasina’s visit, noting that she is the first state guest since the NDA government’s re-election. The ties between India and Bangladesh have seen remarkable growth, with frequent high-level meetings. The leaders have met at least ten times since 2019, and Hasina was among the dignitaries attending PM Modi’s swearing-in ceremony in 2019.
Future Engagements and Ongoing Relations
Sheikh Hasina’s visit included further high-level meetings with President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also had discussions with her, reinforcing the close and enduring ties between the two nations. Her visit underscores the continuing commitment to enhancing the “Neighbourhood First” policy and strengthening bilateral relations across various sectors.
India and Bangladesh continue to build on a robust partnership that spans security, trade, connectivity, and cultural exchange. The signing of new MoUs and the reaffirmation of strategic ties during this visit highlight the deep and multifaceted relationship between the two countries. As PM Modi noted, the swift and comprehensive initiatives undertaken reflect the dynamic and expanding nature of India-Bangladesh relations.
(With inputs from agencies)
