Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted bilateral talks with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Saturday. This significant meeting marked the continuation of a series of high-level interactions aimed at strengthening the relationship between India and Bangladesh.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, highlighted the importance of the meeting, noting that it was the tenth such encounter between the two leaders since 2019. Jaiswal emphasized the transformative impact these meetings have had on bilateral relations.
“Deepening India-Bangladesh Maitri! PM Narendra Modi extended a warm welcome to PM Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh at Hyderabad House ahead of their bilateral discussions. The two leaders have met each other ten times since 2019, making unprecedented transformations in the relationship,” Jaiswal stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Sheikh Hasina’s visit is especially notable as she is the first foreign dignitary to embark on a bilateral state visit to India following the formation of the Modi 3.0 government. Her arrival was marked by a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan, which the MEA described as an honour befitting a “special partner.” Jaiswal reiterated this sentiment on social media, posting, “A ceremonial welcome for a special partner! PM @narendramodi received PM Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan, as the first guest on a bilateral State Visit after the formation of the new government in India.”
The ceremonial events included meetings between the prime ministers and ministers and delegates from both countries. Among the Indian dignitaries present were External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Union Minister JP Nadda, and Ministers of State Jitendra Singh and Kirti Vardhan Singh.
Following these interactions, PM Hasina paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, reflecting on the enduring influence of Gandhi’s ideals on India-Bangladesh relations. “A heartfelt homage to Bapu! PM Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh paid respects to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. Mahatma’s ideals continue to serve as guiding principles of our close and warm relationship,” noted the MEA spokesperson.
This visit is poised to significantly enhance the ties between India and Bangladesh. External Affairs Minister Jaishankar had previously met with PM Hasina on Friday, underlining the “close and abiding ties” between the two nations. He remarked that Hasina’s visit is a testament to the robust and multifaceted relationship shared by India and Bangladesh.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s attendance at the swearing-in ceremony of PM Modi and the Union Council of Ministers on June 9 further underscores the strong diplomatic bond between the two countries. Over the years, India and Bangladesh have developed a comprehensive partnership characterized by shared history, cultural affinity, and geographical proximity. The bilateral relationship has flourished under the leadership of PM Modi and Sheikh Hasina, marked by numerous collaborative efforts and mutual support.
The year 2023 has been particularly dynamic for India-Bangladesh relations, reflecting the growing strength of their partnership. In March, the two prime ministers jointly inaugurated the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline in a virtual ceremony, symbolizing a significant advancement in energy cooperation. Additionally, PM Hasina participated virtually in the Inaugural Session of the Voice of the Global South Summit in January and again in November, indicating Bangladesh’s active engagement in regional and global dialogues.
Sheikh Hasina’s visit, initiated at PM Modi’s invitation, is expected to provide a substantial boost to bilateral ties. The MEA spokesperson, Jaiswal, earlier expressed optimism about the visit, stating that it would give a “major boost” to the relationship. The visit is seen as a strategic opportunity to reinforce and expand the multifaceted cooperation between the two countries, addressing key areas such as trade, security, and cultural exchange.
This visit marks another significant step in the ongoing collaboration, highlighting the shared commitment to further enhancing the India-Bangladesh relationship.