External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and his Bangladeshi counterpart Hasan Mahmud conducted a comprehensive assessment of India-Bangladesh relations, with a particular focus on enhancing cross-border connectivity, bolstering defence and security cooperation, advancing power and energy collaboration, and fostering robust people-to-people exchanges.
Mahmud's visit to India, spanning four days from Tuesday, marks his inaugural bilateral foreign trip following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resounding victory in the recent parliamentary elections. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted Mahmud's visit as an opportunity to chart a path for forward-looking engagement between the two nations under Bangladesh's new government. Subsequent to their discussions, Jaishankar hosted a dinner in honour of Mahmud.
The deliberations between the two ministers encompassed various facets of bilateral relations, including cross-border connectivity, economic partnerships, defence and security cooperation, as well as collaboration in power, energy, and water resources management. Additionally, they explored avenues for future collaboration aligned with the national development agendas of both countries, including the visions of "Viksit Bharat 2047" and "Smart Bangladesh 2041."
Furthermore, Jaishankar and Mahmud exchanged perspectives on regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest, underscoring their commitment to enhancing India-Bangladesh collaboration within the frameworks of BIMSTEC, IORA, and BBIN initiative.
Mahmud's visit builds upon the momentum of high-level exchanges between the two nations, further solidifying the longstanding friendship and cooperation. Additionally, Mahmud paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat and engaged in discussions with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval during his visit.
His itinerary also includes meetings with President Droupadi Murmu and Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. Mahmud is scheduled to conclude his visit with a trip to Kolkata on February 9, underscoring the multifaceted nature of India-Bangladesh relations and the commitment to deepen ties across various domains.
(With Agency Inputs)
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