NEW DELHI: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina arrived in India on a two-day visit aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and discussing key issues such as the development of the Teesta River. Hasina’s visit comes shortly before her planned trip to China in July, reflecting Dhaka’s strategic effort to balance its relations with both New Delhi and Beijing.
Sheikh Hasina, along with other regional leaders, was previously in New Delhi for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term inauguration on June 9. Her swift return for a bilateral visit underscores the importance Bangladesh places on its ties with India.
Upon her arrival, Hasina met with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. “Delighted to call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh this evening. Her State visit to India underlines our close and abiding ties,” Jaishankar shared on social media.
The visit is significant as it marks the first state visit by a foreign leader since the formation of the new National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in India. Hasina is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Modi on Saturday, with discussions expected to include Bangladesh’s plans for the Teesta river, particularly in light of China’s interest in assisting with its development.
During her stay, about 10 agreements covering various areas of cooperation, including a collaboration between defense training institutions, are anticipated to be signed. Some agreements will renew existing treaties.
Upon arrival, Hasina was welcomed at the airport by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh. Besides meeting with Modi, she will also hold discussions with President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar.
The strategic partnership between India and Bangladesh has strengthened over the past decade, with Bangladesh benefiting significantly from India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy. This includes grants and lines of credit to enhance energy, financial, and physical connectivity, highlighted by projects such as the Maitri Setu bridge over the Feni river and the Chilahati-Haldibari rail link.
Bangladesh is India’s largest development partner and biggest trade partner in South Asia, while India is Bangladesh’s second-largest trade partner in Asia. In 2022-23, Bangladesh’s exports to India amounted to $2 billion, making India its largest export destination in Asia.
