The direct talks scheduled between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina this afternoon will, beside other things, focus on trade, connectivity and Covid-19 cooperation.
Both PMs are set to have “substantive discussions” on Saturday afternoon though neither Bangladesh nor the Indian side specifically mentioned the bilateral instruments to be signed after the talks. However, disaster management, trade and oceanography are likely to be areas covered in cooperation documents, reported Bangladeshi media.
“Connectivity is one of the issues that might get priority,” an official told news agency United News of Bangladesh (UNB) adding that Bangladesh wants enhanced connectivity with India and beyond.
Prime Minister Hasina will have a one-to-one meeting with her Indian counterpart at the Prime Minister’s Office before having delegation-level talks at PMO.
The two South Asian countries, celebrating 50 years of establishment of diplomatic relations, want to "progress together with others" in the region at a "faster pace".
The Indian Prime Minister said the next 25 years will be “crucial” for both the countries – Bangladesh and India. Modi said his ongoing visit will contribute to even stronger bilateral relations between the two countries. “We are committed to further deepen and diversify our relations.”
Modi and Hasina will jointly inaugurate some joint projects virtually and witness the signing of MoUs between the two countries after the talks.
During the Hasina-Modi virtual Summit held in December last year, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina highlighted the need for early signing of an interim agreement for sharing of the Teesta waters, as agreed upon by both the governments in 2011. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India’s sincere commitment and continued efforts of the Government of India in that regard.
"The two leaders, during the Summit, underscored the need for early conclusion of Framework of Interim Agreement on sharing of waters of six joint rivers, namely, Manu, Muhuri, Khowai, Gumti, Dharla and Dudhkumar," said the UNB report.
On a two-day visit to Bangladesh, PM Modi met senior political leaders from the 14-Party Alliance on Friday.
Senior Awami leaders Amir Hossain Amu, Tofail Ahmed, Syed Nazibul Maizvandary, Rashed Khan Menon, Hasanul Haq Inu, Pirjadda Mostafa Amir Faisal Mozaddedi, Fazle Hossain Badsha, Syed Tayabul Maizvandary, Shirin Akhter, and Sharif Nurul Ambia were among the 14-party leaders.
Discussions centred on diverse issues of bilateral relations were held during the meeting to strengthen ties between the two nations.
Modi also interacted with Opposition Leader in Parliament Raushan Ershad, Ghulam Muhammed Quader, Ziauddin Bablu and Ruhul Amin Howlader.
The engagement involved discussions on a wide gamut of issues pertaining to the two countries' bilateral relations.
Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen also met Modi yesterday with the discussions centering around deepening the fraternal ties and strengthening the all-encompassing partnership based on sovereignty, equality, trust and understanding that transcends a strategic partnership between the two countries.
Modi is scheduled to visit Bangabandhu Mausoleum Complex, before holding talks with Prime Minister Sheikh Haisna, to pay tributes to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Tungipara. He is the first Indian dignitary, as well as foreign head of government, to ever visit the place.
The Indian Prime Minister said he will pay homage to Bangabandhu, alongside Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, during the ongoing Mujib Borsho celebrations.
He will place a wreath at the Complex, plant a sapling and sign visitors’ book there after visiting the Mausoleum.
He will be offering prayers to Goddess Kali at the ancient Jashoreshwari Kali Temple, one of the 51 Shaktipeeths in the Puranic tradition.
"I am particularly looking forward to my interaction with representatives of the Matua community at Orakandi, from where Sri SriHarichandra Thakur ji disseminated his pious message," Modi said.
Read More:
PM Modi in Bangladesh: The complete coverage
