Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has returned to India for a two-day state visit, less than two weeks after attending Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony. This visit is significant as it is the first incoming bilateral state visit by a foreign leader since the formation of the new government in India. During her visit, PM Modi and Sheikh Hasina are scheduled to engage in a bilateral discussion covering a wide range of subjects. Additionally, it is anticipated that both leaders will sign multiple agreements aimed at fostering cooperation in various sectors, as reported by news agency PTI.
Sheikh Hasina received a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Saturday. Following the ceremony, she had a meeting with PM Modi. According to sources, the focus of the meeting between the two leaders will be on further strengthening bilateral ties.
Upon her arrival in New Delhi on Friday, PM Hasina had a discussion with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar regarding various bilateral issues. Jaishankar shared about the meeting on X, expressing his delight in meeting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh. He emphasized the close and enduring ties between India and Bangladesh, and appreciated her guidance in advancing their special partnership.
The strategic relationship between India and Bangladesh has witnessed significant growth in recent years. Bangladesh has been a crucial ally for India under its “Neighborhood First” policy, and the cooperation between the two countries extends to various important areas such as security, trade, commerce, energy, connectivity, science and technology, and defense.
Notable achievements in the connectivity sector include the inauguration of the Maitri Setu bridge over the Feni River in Tripura by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as well as the launch of the Chilahati-Haldibari rail link.