C T Online Desk: India has said that it is committed to “deepen and strengthen” the “very special partnership” that it has with Bangladesh as the prime ministers of the two neighbouring countries are set to discuss all the issues today for a broader cooperation.
“It is a very important visit for us. Both sides have a lot of expectations because the relationship is so special and so friendly,” said Spokesperson at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Randhir Jaiswal at a weekly media briefing in New Delhi on Friday.
“Tomorrow”, he said, “all will get to know the details about the discussions, MoUs and agreements that are likely to be signed.”
“But both sides are committed to deepen and strengthen the very special partnership,” said the MEA spokesperson.
Her visit will give a major boost to this celebrated bilateral partnership, MEA spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and discussed issues of mutual interest.
During the meeting, held at the Hotel Taj Palace in the Indian capital, Jaishankar lauded PM Hasina’s guidance on further development of ‘special partnership’.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s state visit to India underlines their “close and abiding” ties, he said after the meeting.
“Delighted to call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh this evening. Appreciate her guidance on the further development of our special partnership,” he said in a post on X.
“Bangladesh is a key partner and trusted neighbour of India. The visit will give a major boost to this celebrated bilateral partnership,” Spokesperson at the Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal said after arrival of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in New Delhi.
Prime Minister’s Private Industries and Investment Adviser Salman F Rahman and Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, among others, were present.
At the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina arrived in New Delhi on Friday as part of her two-day state visit to India.
This is the first incoming bilateral state visit after the formation of the government in India following the 18th Lok Sabha elections, said the MEA spokesperson.
He said there will be a post-visit press engagement and journalists will be able to know all the details on issues that the two sides would agree to do together on trade, connectivity and defence fronts.
During the visit, apart from holding bilateral consultations with the Indian Prime Minister, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to call-on Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was among the international leaders who attended the swearing-in ceremony of the Prime Minister and the Union Council of Ministers on 9 June.
A flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines carrying the prime minister and her entourage members landed at Palam Airport in New Delhi at 3:29pm (local time) on Friday, adds UNB.
The flight departed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 2pm on the day.
Indian Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change and also Minister of State for External Affairs Kirtivardhan Singh, and Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Md Mustafizur Rahman received Sheikh Hasina at the airport.
The prime minister was welcomed by traditional folks dancing there.
Both sides of the roads were decorated with the flags of Bangladesh and India, and placards of Sheikh Hasina and Narendra Modi.
Various types of placards in different languages welcoming Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina were seen on both sides of the roads from Palam Airport to Hotel Taj Palace.
This is the first bilateral visit by any head of government to India after the BJP-led alliance formed its government for the third consecutive term.
