Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit is significant as she is the first foreign leader to make an official visit to New Delhi following the recent elections, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government was formed for the third consecutive term.
Arriving in New Delhi at Modi’s invitation, her goal is to further strengthen the already strong relations between India and Bangladesh and expand mutual cooperation and partnership in various fields.
Sheikh Hasina was among the few neighboring leaders who attended Prime Minister Modi’s swearing-in ceremony on June 9.
What’s on the Agenda?
Sheikh Hasina and Narendra Modi will hold delegation-level talks at Hyderabad House in Delhi on June 22, where both sides are likely to finalize agreements in several areas of cooperation.
A statement from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs mentioned that the Bangladeshi and Indian Prime Ministers will hold mutual consultations on various issues. She will also meet with President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar.
The statement noted that this is the first bilateral state visit to India following the formation of the government after the 18th Lok Sabha elections.
An official source said, “The talks between the two Prime Ministers are expected to focus on taking bilateral relations to new heights.”
Discussions are also expected on the inauguration of the Feni Maitri Bridge and the completion of the second unit of the Rampal Maitri Power Plant, both projects reflecting the close ties between India and Bangladesh.
Nature of India-Bangladesh Relations
Under India’s “Neighborhood First” policy, Bangladesh is a key partner. The scope of mutual cooperation between the two countries extends to multiple sectors including security, trade, economy, energy, connectivity, science and technology, defense, and maritime affairs.
According to Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, Bangladesh is not only a crucial part of India’s “Neighborhood First” policy but also important for New Delhi’s “Act East Policy,” aimed at strengthening ties between India and Southeast Asia.
Bangladesh is India’s largest trading partner in South Asia, while India is Bangladesh’s second-largest trading partner in Asia.
