Bangladesh’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, is set to attend Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony in New Delhi, aligning with the NDA government’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy. As part of her delegation, she will depart from Dhaka on a special flight on Friday and stay in the national capital until June 9, following an invitation from PM Modi.
The visit holds significance in strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations. Though not structured as a formal bilateral meeting, discussions between the leaders are expected to touch upon mutual concerns. Future engagements are anticipated, with the possibility of Prime Minister Hasina visiting India again for comprehensive dialogue, potentially including economic partnership agreements.
Areas of cooperation extend beyond traditional sectors to encompass emerging fields like solar energy, space, and nano-technology. Defence cooperation and the resolution of issues such as Teesta water sharing are also on the agenda, with alternative projects being explored.
Ahead of her scheduled visit to China next month, India aims to address security concerns, seeking assurances from Bangladesh regarding projects with China. This diplomatic exchange follows the recent official visit of Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra to Bangladesh, highlighting the priority accorded to bilateral relations by both nations.
During Kwatra’s visit, discussions covered a wide range of topics, emphasizing India’s commitment to its ‘Neighbourhood First’ Policy. The review of bilateral relations encompassed political, security, economic, and connectivity aspects, reflecting the depth of the Indo-Bangladesh partnership.
The Indo-Bangladesh partnership is pivotal in fostering stability and development in the region amid shifting geopolitical dynamics and evolving security challenges. India’s proactive engagement with its neighbours underscores its commitment to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in South Asia.
