PM Modi’s visit is highly significant as it highlights India’s neighbourhood first policy. India is sending a strong message to the neighbourhood that Bangladesh is a time tested friend.
Celebrating 50 years of India-Bangladesh Friendship
Under Sheikh Hasina this relationship has grown by leaps and bounds. Throughout the years, Bangladesh has been a steadfast ally of India in all sectors: economic, strategic and defence cooperation. Bangladesh was one of the first recipients of India’s covid vaccine Maitri and the recipient of the highest financial aid by India.
India has also ensured that extremist elements that are operating out of Bangladesh’s territory have been flushed out. India has put considerable efforts to make sure Bangladesh stays moderate and fights radical elements who have been opposed against Sheikh Hasina.
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PM Modi has put great significance on Bangladesh’s first Prime Minister Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s role in the independence movement. PM Modi has paid a rich tribute to Rahman saying if the iconic leader was not assassinated, Bangladesh would have evolved and reached its dreams much faster
The neighbourhood is very important to India to maintain a leadership role in Indo-Pacific and beyond but foreign policy and domestic policy is intertwined.
The visit comes just ahead of the West Bengal elections. Besides, both Bangladesh and West Bengal share common cultural familiarity.
A slew of agreements and MoUs will be signed between the nations. But overall the message is clear that India really cares about Bangladesh. India is willing and wanting that bilateral ties to be strengthened for mutual growth.