New Delhi: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was on Saturday morning accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan, ahead of holding bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Bangladesh PM is the first guest on a bilateral state visit after the new government of PM Modi was sworn in for the third successive term.
She later went to Rajghat to offer a floral tribute at the samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi.
The MEA spokesperson posted on X:
“A ceremonial welcome for a special partner!
PM @narendramodi received PM Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan, as the first guest on a bilateral State Visit after the formation of the new government in India.”
“A heartfelt homage to Bapu!
PM Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh paid respects to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.
Mahatma’s ideals continue to serve as guiding principles of our close and warm relationship.”
This is the second meeting between the two prime ministers in less than two weeks, as Sheikh Hasina attended the swearing-in ceremony of PM Modi on June 9.
While PM Modi has formed the government for a third consecutive term, PM Hasina came to power for the fourth successive term following the January 7 elections in her country.
On Friday, the MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, said the visit of Sheikh Hasina is very important for India.
“It’s a very important visit for us, the first State visit from the neighboring countries. Both sides have a lot of expectation because the relationship is so special and so friendly. ..Both sides are committed to deepen and strengthen this very special partnership that we have with Bangladesh.”
Several agreements and MoUs are slated to be inked today after the delegational level talks between the two sides. Prior to that PM Modi and the Bangladesh PM will hold one-on-one talks.
Trade and economic cooperation, security and border management, connectivity and infrastructure, water sharing and environmental issues, and cultural and people-to-people ties are set to be on the agenda of talks.
On Friday evening, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called on the Bangladesh PM.
He posted on X:
“Her State visit to India underlines our close and abiding ties. Appreciate her guidance on the further development of our special partnership.”
Later today, PM Hasina will call on President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, before returning to Bangladesh.
