Photo: Collected
The Prime Minister's recent visit to India holds significant importance, especially following recent elections in both nations. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks at Hyderabad House in Delhi last Saturday. During this meeting, the two countries signed a total of 10 agreements and memorandums of understanding, including two new agreements, five additional agreements, and three renewals. Additionally, 13 announcements were made, all of which have been detailed on the Ministry of External Affairs of India's website.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina emphasised that both nations have endorsed a Vision Declaration aimed at guiding them towards a peaceful and prosperous future. They have committed to advancing Digital Partnership and Green Partnership initiatives to foster sustainability. Bangladesh-India relations continue to strengthen through various progressive endeavors. Both countries are engaged in development efforts such as Vision 2041 for a Smart Bangladesh and India 2047 for national development.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted Bangladesh as India's foremost development partner, underscoring India's prioritisation of Bangladeshi interests. This bilateral meeting marks the Prime Minister's first visit to India since the 2024 elections. The leaders agreed on a joint vision for digital and green partnerships, aimed at ensuring a sustainable future beneficial to both nations.
Diplomatic experts suggest that Bangladesh and India are poised to embark on a new phase of development through enhanced coordination, particularly focusing on maritime affairs and digital partnerships. The recent bilateral visit of the Prime Minister has been deemed successful, with both countries reaffirming their commitment to mutual cooperation.
There have been concerns raised about India's involvement in the Teesta project potentially straining relations between Beijing and Dhaka. However, experts clarify that Bangladesh has the autonomy to pursue its interests freely without interference. There is no inherent conflict in Bangladesh's sovereign decisions, and it is free to engage with any partner it chooses.
Former ambassador Munshi Faiz Ahmad emphasised that regardless of any agreements between Bangladesh and India, Bangladesh must always prioritise safeguarding its own interests. He stressed the importance of advancing cooperation between the two nations while ensuring that Bangladesh's interests are adequately protected. Ahmad highlighted India's positive interest in financing the Teesta project as a step in the right direction for bilateral relations.
Messenger/Fameema
