Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral discussions with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Saturday. Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), noted that PM Modi warmly welcomed his Bangladeshi counterpart, highlighting that this marked their tenth meeting since 2019, symbolizing significant advancements in bilateral relations.
“Sheikh Hasina, the first foreign leader on a bilateral state visit to India during Modi 3.0, received a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan this morning,” mentioned the MEA, emphasizing the event as a gesture for a “special partner.”
Prime Minister Hasina arrived in India on Friday for a two-day state visit, responding to PM Modi’s invitation. “PM Modi received PM Sheikh Hasina at Rashtrapati Bhavan, marking her as the first guest on a bilateral state visit after the new government took office,” shared Randhir Jaiswal.
During their visit, both leaders engaged with ministers and delegates from both countries at Rashtrapati Bhavan. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, along with Union Ministers J.P. Nadda, Jitendra Singh, and Kirti Vardhan Singh, joined in welcoming the Bangladeshi PM.
Following this, PM Hasina paid respects to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. “A heartfelt homage to Bapu! PM Sheikh Hasina paid respects to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. Gandhi’s ideals continue to guide our close and warm relationship,” noted the MEA spokesperson.
The visit is anticipated to significantly enhance India-Bangladesh ties, as noted earlier by Randhir Jaiswal. EAM Jaishankar had previously met with PM Hasina, highlighting the enduring and strong bonds between the two nations.
PM Sheikh Hasina’s presence at the swearing-in ceremony of the Indian Prime Minister and the Union Council of Ministers on June 9 underscores the robust relationship between India and Bangladesh. Over the years, both countries have cultivated a multifaceted relationship rooted in shared history, culture, and geographical proximity, further strengthened under the leadership of PM Modi and Sheikh Hasina.
In 2023, bilateral activities between India and Bangladesh saw a surge, reflecting the depth of their ties. Both leaders jointly inaugurated the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline in March, and Sheikh Hasina participated virtually in global summits, including the Voice of the Global South Summit in January and November 2023.
