bangladesh-pm-hasina-begins-two-day-india-visit

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has arrived in New Delhi on a two-day state visit. PM Hasina was warmly welcomed by Minister of State K.V. Singh at the airport. 

 

This visit marks the first incoming bilateral state visit since the formation of the new Indian government following the 18th Lok Sabha elections, as noted by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

The visit, expected to give a "major boost" to India-Bangladesh relations, underscores the deep-rooted connection between the two nations. MEA Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted the importance of this visit on social media, emphasizing Bangladesh as a key partner and trusted neighbor of India.

During her visit, Prime Minister Hasina will engage in bilateral consultations with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Additionally, she is scheduled to meet with President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar.

 

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will also call on Prime Minister Hasina, reinforcing the diplomatic engagements planned during her stay.

Prime Minister Hasina's presence in India follows her attendance at the swearing-in ceremony of the Indian Prime Minister and the Union Council of Ministers on June 9.

 

This visit is seen as a continuation of the multifaceted relationship that has developed between India and Bangladesh, characterized by shared history, cultural ties, and geographical proximity.

The year 2023 has been marked by numerous bilateral activities that highlight the strength of this relationship. Notably, both Prime Ministers jointly inaugurated the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline on March 18 in a virtual ceremony.

 

Prime Minister Hasina also participated virtually in the inaugural session of the Voice of the Global South Summit on January 11 and the second session on November 17.

 

As a guest country invited to India's G20 Presidency in 2023, Bangladesh actively participated in various tracks at the ministerial level, including the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting and the G20 Development Ministers Meeting in March and June 2023, respectively.

 

On November 1, 2023, both Prime Ministers virtually inaugurated three Indian-assisted development cooperation projects in Bangladesh.

 

These projects include the Akhaura-Agartala cross-border rail link, the Khulna-Mongla Port rail line, and Unit II of the Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant.

 

This visit is expected to further consolidate the robust and dynamic partnership between India and Bangladesh, enhancing cooperation across multiple sectors and reaffirming the commitment to regional stability and development.