In a significant diplomatic event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh to India during her state visit. This marks a special occasion as Sheikh Hasina is the first state guest in the third term of the Modi government, underscoring the importance of the India-Bangladesh relationship.
Prime Minister Modi began by highlighting the strategic importance of Bangladesh in India’s foreign policy framework. “Bangladesh is situated at the convergence of our ‘Neighbourhood First’ Policy, Act East Policy, Vision SAGAR, and Indo-Pacific Vision,” he said.
Achievements in the Past Year
Modi outlined several key achievements in bilateral cooperation over the past year:
· The launch of the 6th India-Bangladesh cross-border rail link between Akhaura and Agartala.
· Initiating cargo facilities for India’s North-Eastern states via the Khulna-Mongla Port.
· Connecting Mongla Port by rail for the first time.
· Both units of the 1320 MW Maitree Thermal Power Plant starting electricity generation.
· Commencement of trade in Indian Rupees (INR) between the two countries.
· Successful completion of the world’s longest river cruise on the River Ganga.
· Completion of the first cross-border friendship pipeline.
· Export of electricity from Nepal to Bangladesh via the Indian grid, marking a milestone in sub-regional energy cooperation.
“The implementation of such big initiatives, in multiple areas, within just one year reflects the speed and scale of our relations,” Modi stated.
Future Vision for Cooperation
Looking ahead, Prime Minister Modi emphasized a forward-looking vision for cooperation, focusing on new areas such as Green Partnership, Digital Partnership, Blue Economy, and Space. He announced the India-Bangladesh “Maitri Satellite” project, aimed at elevating bilateral cooperation to new heights. Connectivity, Commerce, and Collaboration remain the central themes of this vision.
Modi highlighted the restoration of pre-1965 connectivity and plans to enhance digital and energy connectivity to further boost both economies. To strengthen economic ties, negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) will commence, and India will support the construction of an Inland Container Depot in Sirajganj, Bangladesh.
Water Resources and Defense Cooperation
Recognizing the importance of water resources, Modi mentioned that 54 rivers connect India and Bangladesh. The two nations will continue their cooperation on flood management, early warning systems, and drinking water projects. Technical discussions for renewing the 1996 Ganga Water Treaty and the conservation of the Teesta River will soon begin.
On defense cooperation, Modi stated that discussions covered defense production and the modernization of armed forces. Both countries will enhance collaboration on counter-terrorism, counter-radicalism, and peaceful border management. He welcomed Bangladesh’s decision to join the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, indicating a shared perspective on the Indian Ocean region.
Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges
Prime Minister Modi emphasized the strong cultural ties and vibrant people-to-people exchanges that form the foundation of the bilateral relationship. Plans to increase scholarships, training, and capacity-building initiatives were discussed. India will launch an e-medical visa facility for Bangladeshi citizens seeking medical treatment in India and will open a new Assistant High Commission in Rangpur to serve the people of North-Western Bangladesh.
Looking Ahead
Concluding his address, Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to its relationship with Bangladesh. He praised Sheikh Hasina’s leadership in achieving the vision of “Sonar Bangla” and expressed confidence in the shared vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ and ‘Smart Bangladesh 2041’.
“Bangladesh is India’s biggest development partner, and we give utmost priority to our relations with Bangladesh,” Modi reiterated. He also extended his best wishes to both teams for the day’s Cricket World Cup match, adding a personal touch to the official proceedings.
This visit marks a pivotal moment in the India-Bangladesh relationship, with both nations poised to achieve greater heights through mutual cooperation and shared vision.