Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina Receives Warm Welcome from Indian PM Modi at Rashtrapati Bhavan

Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina received a warm welcome from her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Saturday, marking the first high-level visit to India since the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) formed the government for the third consecutive time. The two-day visit is expected to strengthen the already robust bilateral relations between the two nations.

As Hasina arrived at the presidential residence, she was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt, followed by a meeting with PM Modi and ministers and delegates from both countries. The Bangladeshi premier later paid respects to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, a gesture that underscores the deep cultural and historical ties between the two nations.

The visit is significant, as it comes amid an upswing in bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh in the last few years. Under its "Neighbourhood First" policy, India has always considered Bangladesh an important partner, and cooperation extends to areas of security, trade, commerce, energy, connectivity, science and technology, defence, and maritime affairs, among others .

Hasina's visit is expected to focus on discussions on a potential trade pact, which could further boost the already thriving trade relations between the two countries. Bangladesh is India's largest trading partner in South Asia, while India is the second biggest trading partner of Bangladesh in the Asian continent . 

Why it Matters : The visit of Sheikh Hasina to India is significant not only because of the strong bilateral relations between the two countries but also because of the strategic importance of Bangladesh in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and Indian neighbourhood. As India seeks to strengthen its regional partnerships, Bangladesh is an important partner in the region. The visit is also a testament to the growing importance of regional cooperation in the face of global challenges.

The two leaders will witness the signing ceremony of Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) and give their press statements. Hasina will also attend a banquet hosted by PM Modi in her honour at the Hyderabad House. The Bangladeshi Prime Minister will also call on President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar later in the day.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called on Hasina on Friday evening, underscoring the importance of the visit. "Her State visit to India underlines our close and abiding ties. Appreciate her guidance on the further development of our special partnership," he said after the meeting.

In the connectivity sector, India and Bangladesh are making strides through the Maitri Setu bridge over river Feni in Tripura and the Chilahati-Haldibari rail link. Bangladesh is India's largest development partner, with nearly one-fourth of New Delhi's commitment under the Line of Credit made to that country.

Key Takeaways:

• Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina's two-day visit to India marks the first high-level visit since the NDA formed the government for the third consecutive time.
• The visit is expected to strengthen bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh, with a focus on trade, commerce, and connectivity.
• Bangladesh is India's largest trading partner in South Asia, while India is the second biggest trading partner of Bangladesh in the Asian continent.
• The bilateral trade between both countries in 2022-23 was reported to be at $15.9 billion.
• The visit underscores the strategic importance of Bangladesh in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and Indian neighbourhood.

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