Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is set to have a tete-a-tete with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi after attending his swearing-in ceremony on Sunday, June 9. Sheikh Hasina will depart for New Delhi today (Saturday) at Modis invitation to attend this significant event.
"Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will make a full-fledged bilateral visit to India at a mutually convenient time. This current visit is largely ceremonial, marking a special occasion," said Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen during a reception ceremony for BIMSTEC on Thursday night. He confirmed that Hasina would arrive in New Delhi on Saturday afternoon to participate in the main inauguration.
The swearing-in ceremony will witness the attendance of several world leaders, including Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, along with over 8,000 dignitaries.
Masud Bin Momen also mentioned that Sheikh Hasinas future visit to India would likely include the signing of several agreements and MoUs, as well as some significant announcements. "We are working on organizing a more detailed visit later," he added.
He emphasized the continuity and potential growth in the India-Bangladesh relationship, noting the recent formation of new governments in both countries. "We expect to see some new initiatives in our bilateral relations."
In response to a question, Masud Bin Momen confirmed that Prime Minister Hasina is expected to have private discussions with Narendra Modi and other leaders during her visit. She is scheduled to return to Bangladesh on June 10.
Narendra Modi will be sworn in as the Prime Minister of India for a historic third consecutive term on June 9, following his BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA)s victory, securing 293 seats in the Lok Sabha elections.
Prime Minister Hasina was among the first foreign leaders to congratulate Modi, reflecting their warm personal rapport. "India and Bangladesh share historic relations that have seen unprecedented growth in the last decade," Modi said, sharing his message on social media.
Hasina congratulated Modi on the NDAs resounding election victory, expressing confidence in his leadership. "As the leader of the largest democracy in the world, you carry the hopes and aspirations of the people of India," she remarked.
Following her congratulatory message, Hasina spoke with Modi on the phone, pledging to continue working together to deepen the historic and close ties between the two nations.
They reaffirmed their commitment to furthering the transformative relationship, focusing on economic and developmental partnerships, energy security, connectivity, including digital linkages, and enhanced people-to-people contacts.
Looking ahead, the leaders are committed to advancing the shared goals of "Viksit Bharat 2047" and "Smart Bangladesh 2041," underscoring their vision for the future of India-Bangladesh relations.
