Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina arrived in India on Friday for a two-day visit, signaling the importance Dhaka places on its relationship with New Delhi. This visit comes shortly before her planned trip to China in July, reflecting Bangladesh’s efforts to balance its ties with both neighboring giants.
The agenda for Hasina’s visit includes the development of Bangladesh’s section of the Teesta river and the signing of several agreements to strengthen bilateral cooperation. Prime Minister Hasina was one of the leaders from seven regional countries invited to New Delhi for the inauguration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term on June 9. Her decision to undertake a bilateral visit within a fortnight underscores the significance of India-Bangladesh ties.
Shortly after her arrival in the Indian capital, Hasina met with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to discuss bilateral relations. “Delighted to call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh this evening. Her state visit to India underlines our close and abiding ties,” Jaishankar said on X. He added, “Appreciate her guidance on the further development of our special partnership.”
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized the importance of Hasina’s visit, stating that Bangladesh is a key partner and trusted neighbor of India. He noted that the visit will significantly boost the celebrated bilateral partnership between the two countries.
This is the first incoming state visit by a foreign leader since the formation of the new National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in India. Hasina is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Modi on Saturday morning. The Indian side is expected to raise concerns about Bangladesh’s plans to develop its section of the Teesta river, particularly in light of China’s offer to assist with the project.
Approximately 10 agreements covering a wide range of bilateral cooperation areas are expected to be signed on Saturday, including one on collaboration between defense training institutions. Some of these agreements will renew existing treaties.
On her arrival, Hasina was received at the airport by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh. In addition to bilateral consultations with Modi, Hasina is scheduled to meet President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Saturday.
The strategic ties between India and Bangladesh have strengthened significantly over the past decade. Bangladesh has been a primary beneficiary of India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy, receiving grants and lines of credit to enhance energy, financial, and physical connectivity. Notable achievements in connectivity include the inauguration of the Maitri Setu bridge over the Feni river in Tripura and the launch of the Chilahati-Haldibari rail link.
Bangladesh is India’s largest development partner, with nearly one-fourth of New Delhi’s lines of credit commitments directed towards it. Additionally, Bangladesh is India’s biggest trade partner in South Asia, while India is the second largest trade partner of Bangladesh in Asia.
Sources By Agencies