Bangladesh Prime Minister’s India Trip Aims to Boost Bilateral Relations

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is undergoing a two-day visit to India to strengthen bilateral ties. During her visit, she met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankarto discuss strengthening bilateral relations. The visit saw the signing of several significant agreements aimed at enhancing cooperation in maritime sectors and the blue economy.

The agreements cover digital domain ties, space research, maritime research, security, health, disaster management, fisheries, railway connectivity, and a ‘Green Partnership’. India announced medical e-visas for Bangladeshi citizens. Prime Minister Modi stated, “The agreements on green partnership, digital partnership, maritime economy, and space cooperation will benefit the youth of both countries.”

Prime Minister Modi visited Prime Minister Hasina for the first bilateral state visit since the formation of the Modi 3.0 government, welcoming her warmly at Rashtrapati Bhavan and paying her homage at Rajghat. Prime Minister Modi highlighted the progress in trade and joint projects, emphasizing Bangladesh as India’s largest partner in development. Reiterating India’s ‘Neighborhood First’ policy, Prime Minister Modi wrote on ‘X’, “Bangladesh lies at the confluence of our Neighborhood First policy, Act East policy, Vision Sagar, and Indo-Pacific vision.” Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Hasina emphasized India’s status as Bangladesh’s primary neighbor and trusted friend, valuing the relationship since the 1971 Liberation War.