Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Arrives in New Delhi on State Visit to India
New Delhi, June 21, 2024: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina arrives in New Delhi for an official two-day State visit on June 21-22, 2024. She was warmly received and welcomed by Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh at the airport
This follows her attendance at the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Council of Ministers earlier this month.
This visit marks the first incoming bilateral State visit since the formation of the new Indian government post the 18th Lok Sabha elections.
Spokesperson of MEA Randhir Jaiswal in a message said, “Bangladesh is a key partner and trusted neighbour of India. The visit will give a major boost to this celebrated bilateral partnership.”
During her visit, Prime Minister Hasina will engage in bilateral talks with Prime Minister Modi, culminating in the signing of several agreements.
Additionally, she will meet with President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and will also be called on by the External Affairs Minister.
India and Bangladesh share a strong historical, cultural, and economic bond. Bangladesh is India's largest trade partner in South Asia, and India is Bangladesh's second-largest trade partner in Asia. In FY 2022-23, Bangladesh exported approximately USD 2 billion worth of goods to India.
The two countries also have robust defence cooperation, sharing a 4096.7 km border. They collaborate on police matters, anti-corruption activities, and combating illicit drug trafficking, fake currency, and human trafficking. Regular bilateral defence interactions are a key component of their relationship.
Power and energy cooperation is another critical area, with Bangladesh currently importing 1160 MW of power from India. The India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline, inaugurated in March 2023, further strengthens this partnership. ONGC Videsh Limited, along with Oil India Limited, is involved in offshore oil exploration in Bangladesh.
Connectivity and infrastructure projects have been pivotal in enhancing bilateral ties. Six pre-1965 rail links between India and Bangladesh have been rehabilitated, with the latest cross-border rail link between Agartala and Akhaura inaugurated in November 2023. The Protocol on Inland Waterways Trade and Transit (PIWTT) facilitates trade and transit between the two countries via 10 routes and multiple ports.
Development partnerships are significant, with India extending Lines of Credit worth around USD 8 billion to Bangladesh for infrastructure development. India has also funded 93 High Impact Community Development Projects in Bangladesh.
In the realm of capacity building and human resource development, Bangladesh is a key partner in India's ITEC program, with around 800 participants benefiting annually. This year, 1000 student visas have been issued to Bangladeshi students.
Cultural cooperation includes initiatives like the Bangladesh Youth Delegation program, attracting top Bangladeshi talent to India. A 100-member delegation visited India in February 2024, visiting academic and cultural sites and meeting the President of India.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visit is expected to further strengthen the deep-rooted and multifaceted partnership between India and Bangladesh and both countries are likely to sign some MoUs and agreements.
