Sheikh Hasina's State Visit To India: What's On The Table?
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is on a two-day state visit to New Delhi, marking the first incoming bilateral visit since the formation of India's new government following the Lok Sabha elections. This visit follows her attendance at Prime Minister Narendra Modi?s swearing-in ceremony. During her stay, she met with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and is scheduled for a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Modi to discuss a wide range of topics.
S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India and Member of Rajya Sabha, shared his thoughts on the meeting via social media. He posted on X (formerly Twitter), ?Delighted to call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh this evening. Her State visit to India underlines our close and abiding ties. Appreciate her guidance on the further development of our special partnership.?
The agenda for the bilateral meeting covers crucial areas such as defense cooperation, connectivity and infrastructure development, power and energy partnerships, trade and economic relations, development cooperation, river water sharing, and cultural ties. Sources indicate that discussions may lead to a defense pact and explore possibilities for a financial package. Additionally, talks are underway regarding a rail transit pact between the two nations.
Defense Cooperation
India and Bangladesh share a 4,096.7 km border, the longest land boundary India shares with any neighboring country. They collaborate closely on issues such as police cooperation, anti-corruption measures, and combating illicit activities like drug trafficking and counterfeit currency. Regular bilateral defense interactions could be further enhanced under discussion.
Power and Energy Partnerships
The power and energy sectors have emerged as critical pillars of India-Bangladesh relations. Currently, Bangladesh imports 1,160 MW of power from India, and initiatives like the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline for high-speed diesel underscore their energy cooperation. Discussions may also include offshore oil exploration projects involving Indian companies.
Connectivity and Infrastructure Development
Connectivity initiatives play a vital role in forging enduring people-centric partnerships between India and Bangladesh. Efforts have included the rehabilitation of pre-1965 rail links, with six such links already operational. The inauguration of the sixth cross-border rail link between Agartala and Akhaura in 2023 was a significant milestone. The Protocol on Inland Waterways Trade and Transit, operational since 1972, facilitates trade and transit through ten routes and multiple ports of call, which is also a topic for further enhancement.
River Water Sharing
A significant item on Bangladesh's agenda is the long-pending Teesta water-sharing pact.
High-Level Meetings
Prime Minister Hasina's itinerary also includes meetings with President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar during her visit.
Trade and Economic Relations
Recently, India and Bangladesh operationalized agreements allowing India to use Chittagong and Mongla ports for cargo transit between India's Northeast and mainland. Discussions are expected to focus on scaling up transit operations through Bangladesh. Bangladesh is India's largest trading partner in South Asia, with approximately USD 2 billion worth of Bangladeshi exports to India in the fiscal year 2022?23. Talks will likely focus on achieving a more balanced trade relationship and exploring new investment opportunities.
Development Cooperation
India has emerged as a significant development partner for Bangladesh, extending three lines of credit amounting to approximately USD 8 billion over the past eight years. These funds have supported infrastructure projects in various sectors, including roads, railways, shipping, and ports. Furthermore, India has funded numerous High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs) aimed at improving facilities like student hostels, academic buildings, and cultural centers in Bangladesh.
Cultural and Educational Exchanges
Cultural and educational exchanges form an integral part of bilateral relations. Bangladesh is an important ITEC (Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation) partner country, with around 800 participants benefiting annually from ITEC training courses. India has also issued student visas to approximately 1,000 Bangladeshi students this year alone under a self-financing scheme. Discussions will likely focus on further facilitating visas for students and enhancing people-to-people exchanges, including initiatives like the Bangladesh Youth Delegation program aimed at fostering youth engagement and cultural understanding.
India and Bangladesh share deep historical, cultural, and linguistic ties, reflected in their robust bilateral relations. These relations are characterized by principles of sovereignty, equality, trust, and mutual understanding, serving as a model for the region and beyond.
