The heads of India and Bangladesh discussed defence cooperation and counter-terrorism during talks and agreed to start negotiations on a comprehensive economic partnership agreement, Indian PM Narendra Modi said.
Bangladesh's PM Sheikh Hasina arrived in India on Friday evening. This is her first state visit since she began her fifth term as prime minister in January.
"We extensively discussed defence modernisation, ways to fight terrorism, extremism and methods to ensure peace on the borders. Both sides agreed to start talks on a comprehensive economic partnership agreement to boost our economic ties," Modi said at a joint press conference with Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina.
A number of MoUs on digital partnership, green partnership, blue economy, health and medicine and railway connectivity were also signed.
“Today's meeting (with Hasina) is very special, as PM Sheikh Hasina is the first state guest in our third government. Bangladesh is at the confluence of 'Neighbourhood First' and 'Act East' policies as well as SAGAR and Indo-Pacific visions. In the last year, we have completed several crucial initiatives for the welfare of the people,” Modi said.
Highlighting the ties between the two countries, the PM Modi also spoke about the initiatives taken by the two countries.
“Trade in Indian Rupees has started between the two countries. The world's longest river cruise on the Ganges River between India and Bangladesh has been successfully completed. The first cross-border friendship pipeline between India and Bangladesh has been completed. Export of electricity from Nepal to Bangladesh through the Indian grid has become the first example of sub-regional cooperation in the energy sector. Implementing such a big initiative in so many areas in just one year reflects the speed and scale of our relations,” Modi added.
In the meantime, Hasina expressed her gratitude to the Indian government for its warm hospitality.
“This is my first bilateral visit to any country since the 12th parliamentary elections in Bangladesh and the formation of our new government in January. India is our major neighbour, trusted friend and regional partner. Bangladesh greatly values our relations with India, which were born during our war of liberation in 1971 and the friendship has remained unbreakable,” she said.
Inviting Modi to Bangladesh, Hasina said the path of friendship with India will be strengthened with his visit.
Lauding Modi for strengthening diplomatic ties between the two neighbours, the Bangladeshi premier also highlighted the high-level engagements between the two sides.
The bilateral talks between the two prime ministers took place at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, after Hasina was accorded a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrpati Bhavan and visited Rajghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.