On the eve of the G-20 Summit’s commencement, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in bilateral discussions with leaders from three countries, with Bangladesh being one of them. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at 5:30 p.m. on Friday in New Delhi at his official residence on Lok Kalyan Marg.

The meeting between Sheikh Hasina and Narendra Modi was marked by numerous important discussions, highlighting the strengthening of ties between the two countries. While crucial issues such as Teesta water sharing, Rohingya repatriation were on the agenda, the discussions also highlighted the potential for further development and collaboration in various sectors, including the signing of three memorandums of understanding (MoU).

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These discussions are taking place at a crucial juncture as both nations seek to strengthen their relationship and resolve key challenges relating to the global South. It highlighting the need for concerted efforts to protect their interests in a world that is rapidly changing. Moreover, this meeting is significant for being the last bilateral meeting between the two leaders before Bangladesh’s parliamentary elections, scheduled for the beginning of next year.

What were the key discussions?

Sheikh Hasina began the meeting by expressing gratitude for India’s support during Bangladesh’s liberation war. Sheikh Hasina informed the Indian Prime Minister of Bangladesh’s accomplishments across various socioeconomic domains.

During the meeting, Hasina also thanked Modi for inviting her to the G-20 Summit, where Bangladesh is expected to discuss the challenges that the Global South is facing. It includes climate change, the recovery of the economy following the Covid-19 pandemic, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Modi praised Hasina’s courageous leadership for Bangladesh’s socioeconomic development. He thanked Hasina for her government’s role in ensuring peace in India’s Northeastern states, which only a few years ago witnessed several separatist movements. The Bangladeshi government ensured that no separatist organizations found refuge in the country.

Key discussions include-

No discussion with Modi on the election but Teesta and other outstanding issues were in consideration

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen stated during a press briefing Friday evening following the meeting of the leaders. He said that the upcoming national elections were not discussed during the bilateral meeting between Modi and Hasina.

However, he said, ” I do not know if the issue was discussed between the premiers privately.”

In the meantime, the foreign minister said that the bilateral meeting discussed several issues, including the Teesta water-sharing treaty.

“Indian PM Modi gave assurance that he will prioritize in resolving the Teesta water sharing and other issues by discussing at government level,” said Momen.

“We have the issue of Teesta water sharing that the Prime Minister will certainly raise. We have other issues and we have 54 common rivers,” Masud Bin Momen told reporters earlier last week, noting that the Ganges water-sharing treaty will expire in 2026.

In addition, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of official discussions to resolve the outstanding issues between India and Bangladesh.

In the meeting, the Bangladeshi premier urged Modi to accelerate the repatriation of the Rohingyas who have been provisionally housed in Bangladesh since the largest Rohingya influx in 2017.

Emphasizing uninterrupted supply support with the expedition of rail and road connectivity projects.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has emphasized the need to ensure uninterrupted supplies of essential goods to Bangladesh during the meeting. India holds the distinction of being Bangladesh’s second-largest trading partner. Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen shed light on the matter, stating, “India is our second-largest trading partner,” and added that Bangladesh had been in negotiations with India for a guaranteed supply of seven essential commodities over the past year.

In December 2022, Dhaka sought assurance for annual supplies of 45 lakh tonnes of wheat, 7 lakh tonnes of onion, 30,000 tonnes of lentils, 20 lakh tonnes of rice, 15 lakh tonnes of sugar, 10,000 tonnes of garlic, and 1.25 lakh tonnes of ginger. This issue is crucial to guaranteeing the stability of essential goods in Bangladesh and effectively managing their prices.

Both prime ministers pledged to expedite ongoing rail and road connectivity projects that transcend their common borders. This proactive strategy seeks to enhance regional integration, trade, and connectivity between the two countries.

Bangladesh and India sign three MoUs

During this bilateral visit, Bangladesh and India have signed three memorandums of understanding (MoU). These are-

• Agreement between Bangladesh Bank and the National Payments Corporation of India for network connectivity to facilitate transactions in rupee and taka.
• Cooperation on Agricultural Research and Education between Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council, and Indian Council of Agricultural Research.
• Extension of the Cultural Exchange Program from 2023 to 2025 to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the arts, literature, and cultural sectors.

A Souvenir Presentation

Saima Wazed, the daughter of Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the Thematic Ambassador of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF), presented Narendra Modi with a memento. This act of goodwill took place at the residence of Modi in New Delhi, where the bilateral meeting was held. At the time, Sheikh Hasina and Bangabandhu’s grandson, and Sheikh Rehana’s son, Radwan Mujib Siddiq, were present.

Satisfaction in Bilateral Relations: Modi and Hasina’s “Productive deliberations”

Both the Prime Ministers expressed their satisfaction with the relationship’s growth in the meeting. They shared their resolve to take proactive measures to advance bilateral relations. Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen added, “They agreed to take effective steps to further this relationship.”

Hasina noted that after Modi’s successful state visit to New Delhi on 04-08 September last year, an immense amount of visible progress has been achieved in various areas of bilateral interest.

“The Prime Minister of India appreciated the strong leadership of the Prime Minister for the tremendous progress of Bangladesh,” Momen added.

After the discussion, Narendra Modi stated that he and Sheikh Hasina had a very productive conversation.”

The progress in India-Bangladesh relations over the past nine years has been very gladdening,” said Narendra Modi. He further added that the discussion with PM Hasina encompassed topics such as connectivity, commercial ties, and more.

The G-20 summit is to be inaugurated Today, Saturday, at the Indian capital New Delhi. The Indian prime minister has invited nine countries including Bangladesh as guest countries at the summit. Prime minister Sheikh Hasina left Dhaka for Delhi on Friday afternoon to join the summit.

Throughout the G-20 Summit, Sheikh Hasina will engage in discussions on bilateral matters with leaders from several countries, including Argentina and Saudi Arabia.

Lastly, the meeting between Sheikh Hasina, and Narendra Modi ahead of G-20 exemplifies the robust and developing relationship between Bangladesh and India. Their partnership holds great promise for the region and beyond as both nations continue to cooperate on multiple fronts.

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