Context:
Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was on a two-day official visit to India. During her visit, she held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
Relevance:
GS II: International Relations
Dimensions of the Article:
- Background Information
- News Overview
- Highlights from the Bilateral Meeting
Background Information
- Event: On June 21-22, 2024, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh visited India at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- Purpose: The visit focused on strengthening the historical, cultural, linguistic, and economic ties between India and Bangladesh.
- Historical Context: The relationship between the two countries has flourished over the last decade, driven by shared history and mutual aspirations for the 21st century.
News Overview
- Economic Partnership Agreement: Both nations agreed to initiate negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
- Trade Relations: Bangladesh is India’s largest trade partner in South Asia, while India is the second largest trade partner for Bangladesh in Asia.
- Export Data: In FY 2022-23, Bangladesh exported goods worth approximately $2 billion to India.
- Future Discussions: The talks are expected to explore balanced trade and new investment opportunities.
- Significance: This marks the first state visit by a foreign leader after the new Indian government took office following the Lok Sabha elections.
Highlights from the Bilateral Meeting
Shared Vision
- Themes: The leaders presented a vision for peace, prosperity, and development, emphasizing connectivity, commerce, and collaboration.
- Future-Oriented Partnership: Emphasis was placed on aligning with “Viksit Bharat 2047” and “Smart Bangladesh Vision 2041”.
Economic and Trade Initiatives
- Geographical Proximity: Plans to utilize geographical closeness for economic benefits through multi-modal transport and cross-border trade.
- Transit Facilities: India will provide transit facilities for Bangladeshi goods to Nepal and Bhutan, and implement the BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreement.
- Electricity Trade: Focus on intra-regional electricity trade, including clean energy from India, Nepal, and Bhutan, and building high-capacity grid interconnections.
Technological and Environmental Collaboration
- Digital and Green Technologies: Joint efforts to promote economic growth, sustainable development, and the launch of a small satellite for Bangladesh.
- Water Sharing Agreements: Renewing the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty and managing the Teesta River.
Defence and Development Cooperation
- Military Engagements: Strengthening defence ties through industrial cooperation and multi-faceted military engagements to modernize the Bangladesh Armed Forces.
- Civil Services Development: Capacity building for civil services, judicial officers, police, and specialized services.
Cultural and Educational Exchange
- Scholar and Student Exchanges: Programs to support Muktijoddhas and their families with medical and educational initiatives.
- e-Medical Visa: Extending e-Medical Visa facilities to Bangladeshi citizens and opening an Assistant High Commission in Rangpur.
Economic and Social Initiatives
- Trade and Investment: Strengthening trade and investment links, including early negotiations for CEPA and Special Economic Zones in Bangladesh.
- Essential Commodities: India will support Bangladesh with essential commodities, depending on availability.
- Youth and Innovation: Partnerships in education, skills development, technology, sports, and creative industries to meet the aspirations of young people.
Regional and Global Cooperation
- Indo-Pacific Region: Commitment to a free, open, inclusive, and secure Indo-Pacific, co-leading the ‘Disaster Risk Reduction and Management’ pillar of the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).
- Regional Integration: Strengthening India-Bangladesh relations as a key element for regional integration under BIMSTEC, SAARC, and IORA, and promoting common interests on global platforms, particularly for the Global South.
-Source: Indian Express
