Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Calls Her India Visit 'Pivotal' For Bilateral Ties

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday 25 June described her recent visit to India as "very fruitful" and the outcome of her talks with India's top leadership will play a "pivotal role" in strengthening the existing bilateral relations and opening new avenues of cooperation.

Hasina undertook the two-day state visit last week at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the first such bilateral visit by any head of government after the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance alliance formed a government for the third consecutive time.

She said the visit opened new avenues of cooperation for the socioeconomic development of the people of the two countries, the Dhaka Tribune newspaper reported.

“The visit was short but very fruitful. I think this visit will play a very pivotal role in strengthening the existing excellent relations between India and Bangladesh,” she was quoted as saying.

Hasina called on President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during her stay in New Delhi.

India and Bangladesh signed 10 agreements to boost ties in several key sectors, including in the maritime sphere and blue economy.  Seven new and three renewed pacts were signed to further consolidate the ever-growing relationship between New Delhi and Dhaka.

"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. "We discussed defining the future course of action to ensure the establishment of 'Smart Bangladesh' and 'Viksit Bharat 2047'," the report quoted her as saying. Both leaders discussed politics and security, peaceful and secure border management and border casualty reduction, trade and connectivity, among other things, she said.

Sustainable management of common rivers and water sharing, energy and regional and multilateral cooperation were also among other issues of mutual interest discussed.

“I have invited the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi to visit Bangladesh as soon as possible at his convenience,” she was quoted as saying. This was Hasina’s second trip to New Delhi in less than 15 days, as she was among the dignitaries invited to Modi’s swearing-in ceremony on June 9.