PM Modi holds bilateral talks with Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina

PM Modi with Bangladesh counterpart Sheik Hasina

Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in extensive discussions on Saturday with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during her two-day visit to India. This marks the first bilateral state visit by a foreign leader since India's recent elections.

PM Modi warmly welcomed PM Hasina at Hyderabad House for their talks, focusing on enhancing cooperation in trade, connectivity, and various other sectors. The leaders have met frequently since 2019, fostering significant advancements in bilateral relations.

Earlier, Prime Minister Hasina paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat before receiving a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The discussions aimed to inject fresh momentum into India-Bangladesh ties, emphasizing mutual interests in trade, connectivity, and energy.

Bangladesh holds strategic importance for India under its "Neighbourhood First" policy, with robust collaboration spanning security, commerce, energy, and technology. Bangladesh is India’s largest development partner, benefiting significantly from Indian assistance, including substantial Line of Credit investments.

Both nations enjoy a substantial trade relationship, with Bangladesh being India's largest export destination in Asia. Efforts are ongoing to enhance border security and combat various cross-border challenges such as illicit trafficking and counterfeit currency.

The visit underscores the strong bilateral relationship and ongoing efforts to deepen cooperation across multiple fronts for mutual prosperity and regional stability.