Navigating India, China for regional relations

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas visit to India is likely to take place in July, marking her first visit to India since assuming power in the general election held on January 7.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra handed over an invitation letter from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Premier regarding her Delhi visit.

The Indian Foreign Secretary arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday evening for a two-day official visit to finalize the schedule of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas upcoming India visit. Vinay Mohan Kwatra paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday; however, he left on Thursday night.
Meanwhile, regarding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas visit to New Delhi, Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud told the media at a press briefing that the PM will definitely visit India.

"Elections are underway in India. A new government will be formed after the election, and then the date will be finalized for the visit," he said.

Asked whether the PM will go to India or China first, the Foreign Minister smiled and said Delhi is close to Bangladesh in terms of geographical distance.

Diplomatic sources indicate that PM Hasinas visit to India is planned for early July if not possible at the end of June, after the conclusion of the neighbouring countrys election.

In January, Modi conveyed his heartiest congratulations to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on the victory of the Awami League under her leadership in the 12th general election in Bangladesh.

In a congratulatory letter on January 8, Modi expressed confidence that as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina leads her country for a fourth consecutive term, the historic and close ties between India and Bangladesh will continue to deepen in all areas of their partnership.

He affirmed that as a close friend and trusted development partner of Bangladesh, India will continue to support Bangladeshs aspirations and growth.

In the letter, Modi also conveyed his best wishes to the people of Bangladesh for their continued progress, peace, and prosperity.

Modi had a bilateral meeting with Sheikh Hasina when she visited India as a guest to participate in the G20 Leaders Summit on September 9-10.

Meanwhile, if re-elected, Modi is likely to invite the heads of the governments of South Asian and Bimstec countries to attend his swearing-in ceremony, said a diplomatic source.

On May 4, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen met Sheikh Hasina and affirmed Chinas commitment to fostering greater investment by Chinese companies in Bangladesh and enhancing bilateral relations.

He highlighted the potential for elevating bilateral relations, especially in trade, investment, and people-to-people contact, with the Prime Ministers upcoming visit to China in July expected to be a significant step in this direction. In discussions at Ganabhaban, Ambassador Yao stressed the importance of bolstering people-to-people exchanges and aiding Bangladeshs increased involvement in international and regional arenas.

This support aims to accelerate Bangladeshs journey towards realizing its Vision 2041 and achieving a Smart Bangladesh, said a Chinese diplomatic source.

On his arrival here by a special flight, Kwatra was received by the Director-General (South Asia) of Bangladesh Foreign Ministry ATM Rokebul Haque and High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh Pranay Verma, among others.

The Indian foreign secretary holds meetings with the Bangladesh Foreign Minister and his Bangladesh counterpart Masud-Bin-Momen. During the meeting with Kwatra, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina discussed different bilateral and regional issues with a special focus on the Teesta Water Sharing agreement.

Bangladesh expected that the meeting between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi would focus on the water-sharing issue of the Teesta River.