Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said today (June 25) that her recent visit to India was very successful.

She said: The visit was short but very fruitful. I think this visit will be pivotal in strengthening the existing excellent relations between India and Bangladesh.

The premier made these comments during a press conference at her official residence, Ganabhaban, to inform the media about the outcomes of her June 21-22 state visit to India.

She highlighted that the visit opened new opportunities for cooperation aimed at the socioeconomic development of the people in both countries.

Sheikh Hasina made the trip at the invitation of her Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi.

This visit marked the first bilateral visit by any head of government to India since the BJP-led alliance formed its government for the third consecutive term. 

Moreover, it was Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s second visit to the Indian capital in less than 15 days, following her attendance at Modi’s swearing-in ceremony on June 9.

During the visit, Dhaka and New Delhi signed 10 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), including seven new agreements and three renewals, to further strengthen their growing relationship.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina noted that Bangladesh-India relations have reached a unique height over the past 15 years.

“The people of both countries are enjoying the benefits,” she said.

She mentioned that a new dimension has been added to the relationship between the two nations, especially in 2023.

“During the visit, the main topic of discussion with the Indian leadership was to formulate a vision on how the two newly-elected governments can take the cooperative relationship further,” she said.

The PM said that with the formation of new governments in Dhaka and Delhi, they discussed defining the future course of action to ensure the establishment of 'Smart Bangladesh' and Viksit Bharat 2047.

In the bilateral meeting, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina noted that the Indian prime minister acknowledged the constant development and rapid progress in Bangladesh-India relations.

Modi emphasized the importance of good relations with neighbors and regional cooperation amid global instability and uncertainty, expressing a desire to work more deeply with Bangladesh.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said Modi assured her that Bangladesh is at the center of their “Neighbourhood First,” “Act East,” and “Sea and Indo-Pacific” policies.

“We discussed ways and means of mutual cooperation and engagement between the two countries. We have agreed to cooperate wholeheartedly for the welfare of our two countries and people.”

During their meeting, the leaders discussed various issues of mutual interest, including politics and security, peaceful and secure border management, border casualty reduction, trade and connectivity, sustainable management of common rivers and water sharing, energy cooperation, and regional and multilateral cooperation.

“I have invited the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi to visit Bangladesh as soon as possible at his convenience,” she said.

BDST: 1356 HRS, JUNE 25, 2024
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