The main results of discussions between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina on Saturday included moving forward with the start of negotiations on a comprehensive trade agreement, strengthening defense ties, and sending a technical team from India to Bangladesh soon for a massive project to conserve and manage the Teesta river.
The choice to send a technical delegation from India to hold negotiations on the preservation of the Teesta River inside Bangladesh is significant since, despite New Delhi’s objections, China was actively pursuing the project, which was valued at approximately $1 billion.
Next month, Sheikh Hasina is anticipated to visit China.
In reflection of growing intensity in their ties, India and Bangladesh also firmed up a “futuristic vision” to further facilitate transformative cooperation in their engagement.
Separately, the two sides signed 10 agreements providing for bolstering ties in a range of critical areas such as digital domain, maritime sphere, blue economy, railways, space, green technology, health and medicine.
While both parties agreed to strive toward peaceful border management, a primary goal of the talks between the two prime ministers was to investigate methods to strengthen India-Bangladesh collaboration in digital and energy connectivity.
Arriving here on Friday, Sheikh Hasina became the first foreign leader to visit India bilaterally following Modi’s election to the prime ministership for a third consecutive term.
Following the discussions, Modi told the media that both parties had decided to begin negotiations on a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA).
