Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is set to begin a two-day state visit to India starting this Friday, marking the first incoming bilateral state visit by a foreign leader since India’s recent government formation following the Lok Sabha elections. The visit aims to bolster the already robust ties between Bangladesh and India, enhancing collaboration across various sectors.
Hasina was among the distinguished foreign leaders who attended Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony on June 9 at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
During her upcoming visit, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will engage in bilateral consultations with PM Modi. She is also scheduled to meet President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar. Additionally, there will be a courtesy call from Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar.
The key highlight of the visit will be the meeting between Hasina and Prime Minister Modi on June 22 at Hyderabad House. The discussions are expected to cover a wide range of topics, aiming to finalize several agreements that will strengthen cooperation in various sectors.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated, “At the invitation of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina will pay a state visit to India on June 21 and 22.”
Discussions between the two leaders are anticipated to focus on elevating bilateral relations to new heights, with specific attention on projects like the Feni Moitree Bridge for public transport and the commissioning of the second unit of the Rampal Moitree power plant. These initiatives highlight the deepening connectivity between the two nations.
Bangladesh holds significant importance for India under its “Neighbourhood First” policy, with cooperation extending across security, trade, energy, connectivity, science and technology, defence, and maritime affairs. The bilateral relationship is characterized by India’s substantial development assistance to Bangladesh, making it India’s largest development partner. Moreover, Bangladesh is India’s largest trading partner in South Asia, underscoring the strong economic ties between the two countries.
Both nations are members of various regional and international organizations, facilitating diplomatic and economic collaboration on global platforms. In the fiscal year 2022-23, Bangladesh exported goods worth approximately USD 2 billion to India, with bilateral trade amounting to USD 15.9 billion for the same period.
Culturally, Bangladesh and eastern Indian states like West Bengal and Tripura share deep linguistic and cultural ties, fostering strong bonds in traditions, literature, music, and cuisine. This cultural affinity strengthens their alignment on regional initiatives and sustainable investments in the Indo-Pacific region.
Overall, the visit underscores the commitment of both nations to enhance bilateral cooperation and deepen their strategic partnership across multiple domains.
