Bangladesh is India’s closest friend in South Asia, as evidenced by India’s offer to Bangladesh to attend the upcoming G20 Summit, which will take place on September 9–10.
“India’s choice of Bangladesh as the only South Asian invitee demonstrates the esteem with which it approaches its immediate eastern neighbour and presumably the best friend in the neighbourhood,” an ANI (Asian News International) report said here today.
Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh has been asked by Indian Prime Minister Modi to attend the upcoming G20 Summit on September 9 and 10 as India’s Special Guest. On the fringes of the summit, the two leaders will interact.
Given that both countries’ general elections are set for 2024, the encounter of the two premiers will be especially important.
Bangladesh is the only nation from South Asia to be invited to the summit by India, which is hosting the G20 this year. Bangladesh is India’s practice to invite non-member nations and foreign organizations.
The following nations were also called as guests to the G20 summit: Egypt, Mauritius, Nigeria, the Netherlands, Spain, Singapore, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
India and Bangladesh have historical, cultural, social, and economic ties, and Bangladesh is a key component of India’s Neighborhood First strategy.
“Ties between India and Bangladesh have been based on deep historical and fraternal ties and underwritten by a mutual commitment to democracy and pluralism. The bilateral partnership between two nations based on sovereignty, equality, trust and understanding, virtually exceeds a strategic partnership,” the report added.
The story noted the joint celebration of India and Bangladesh’s diplomatic relations’ golden jubilee in September as well as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s four-day visit to India at PM Modi’s invitation.
