In a landmark event at Hyderabad House in Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh Counterpart Sheikh Hasina witnessed the signing of multiple Memoranda of Understanding or MoUs and agreements designed to enhance cooperation across various sectors. This significant diplomatic engagement marks a pivotal moment in the evolving relationship between India and Bangladesh.
The two leaders presided over the exchange of a Shared Vision for Bharat-Bangladesh Digital Partnership, highlighting mutual commitments in advancing digital collaboration. Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Masood Bin Momen and Bharat’s Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra facilitated the exchange, reflecting the growing digital synergy between the nations.
Addressing the press meet with PM Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh. https://t.co/y9B5ba7V2i
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 22, 2024
Another key agreement focused on the Bharat-Bangladesh Green Partnership, which aims to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable development. The MoU on Maritime Cooperation and the Blue Economy, also signed during the event, seeks to bolster maritime security and explore blue economy opportunities.
Health sector collaboration was reinforced with the renewal of a MoU for Cooperation on Health and Medicine. Additionally, cooperation in space technology was formalized through a MoU between In-Space and Bangladesh’s Ministry of ICT and Telecom, signed by Bangladesh Satellite Company Ltd Chairman and CEO Shahjahan Mehmood and India’s Space Department Secretary S. Somnath.
Railway connectivity saw a boost with an MoU between the Indian Railways Ministry and Bangladesh’s Ministry of Railway, exchanged by Mohamed Humayun Kabir and Indian Railway Board Chairperson Jaya Sinha. This agreement aims to facilitate smoother cross-border transportation and enhance railway infrastructure.
Joint research and exploration in ocean sciences were prioritised with an MoU for Cooperation in Oceanography, signed by High Commissioner of Bangladesh to India Mohammed Mustafizur Rahman and High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh Pranay Verma. Disaster management strategies will be strengthened through a renewed MoU between NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority) and Bangladesh’s Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief.
The fisheries sector will continue to benefit from sustained efforts in sustainable management and aquaculture through a renewed MoU for Cooperation in Fisheries. Furthermore, an MoU between DSSC (Defence Services Staff College) Wellington and DSCSC (Defence Services Command and Staff College) Mirpur was exchanged to enhance military education and strategic studies cooperation.
These exchanges followed delegation-level talks between PM Modi and PM Hasina, underscoring the deepening ties between the two nations. PM Hasina’s visit, spanning June 21 to 22, is her first state visit to India following the formation of the Modi 3.0 government, highlighting the ongoing commitment to strengthening India-Bangladesh relations.
