India-Bangladesh bilateral talks focus on connectivity, commerce and defence cooperation
- In Reports
- 05:54 PM, Jun 22, 2024
- Myind Staff
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina held bilateral talks in New Delhi, focusing on enhancing defence ties, defence production, cooperation in counter-terrorism, border management, and other pertinent issues.
During a joint press conference with her Bangladeshi counterpart, PM Modi highlighted that Bangladesh occupies a strategic position at the intersection of India's Neighbourhood First Policy, Act East Policy, Vision Sagar, and Indo-Pacific Vision.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that detailed discussions were held to enhance defence ties, covering aspects from defence production to modernisation of the armed forces. Both countries have agreed to bolster cooperation on counter-terrorism, tackling fundamentalism, and maintaining peaceful border management.
He highlighted a shared vision for the Indian Ocean Region and welcomed Bangladesh's decision to participate in the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative. Modi affirmed the commitment to continue cooperation within BIMSTEC and other regional and international forums.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi elaborated that the two nations are prioritising connectivity, commerce, and collaboration. He emphasised that there will be a heightened emphasis on enhancing digital and energy connectivity to stimulate their economies.
The agreements exchanged encompassed a Shared Vision for the India-Bangladesh Digital Partnership, facilitated by Bangladesh's Foreign Secretary Masood Bin Momen and India's Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra. They exchanged documents to underscore mutual commitments in digital collaboration.
Another Shared Vision of the India-Bangladesh Green Partnership highlighted environmental initiatives and shared goals for sustainable development.
During the bilateral meetings between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, several MoUs were exchanged to strengthen various aspects of bilateral cooperation.
An MoU on Maritime Cooperation and Blue Economy was exchanged, aiming to enhance ties in maritime security and explore opportunities in the blue economy sector.
Another MoU focused on Cooperation in Health and Medicine was renewed, highlighting continued collaboration in healthcare between India and Bangladesh.
Furthermore, an MoU between In-Space and Bangladesh's Ministry of ICT and Telecom was exchanged, aiming to boost cooperation in space technology and satellite communication. This agreement was signed by Shahjahan Mehmood, Chairman and CEO of Bangladesh Satellite Company Ltd, and S Somnath, Secretary of the Department of Space.
The Ministry of Railways, India, and Bangladesh's Ministry of Railway exchanged an MoU aimed at improving railway connectivity and facilitating smoother cross-border transportation. Mohamed Humayun Kabir and Jaya Sinha, Chairperson of the Railway Board, were involved in the exchange.
Additionally, an MoU for Cooperation in Oceanography was exchanged to promote joint research and exploration in ocean sciences. The High Commissioner of Bangladesh to India, Mohammed Mustafizur Rahman, and the High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh, Pranay Verma, signed this agreement.
The renewal of an MoU between the NDMA and Bangladesh's Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief aimed to strengthen disaster management strategies and resilience efforts.
Lastly, the renewal of an MoU for Cooperation in Fisheries was overseen by PM Modi and PM Hasina, continuing joint efforts in sustainable fisheries management and aquaculture.
An MoU between DSSC Wellington and DSCSC Mirpur was exchanged to enhance military education and strategic studies cooperation in defence. The exchange of MoUs followed delegation-level talks between PM Modi and visiting Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, who is on a two-day State visit to India from June 21 to 22, marking the first bilateral State visit to India since the formation of the Modi 3.0 government.
Image source: ANI
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