Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina at the Hyderabad House on Tuesday. Following the meeting, the two leaders held negotiations and signed pacts in critical sectors like defence, commerce, and river water sharing. This includes the Memorandum of Understanding for the temporary sharing of Kushiyara river water.
In a joint statement with Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, PM Modi said: "Last year, we celebrated 50 years of Bangladesh's independence. We also celebrated the first 'Maitri Divas'. India-Bangladesh relationship will achieve new heights in the coming time."
"I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Govt of India and my Indian friends on the successful completion of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, the year-long celebration to mark the 75th year of India's independence," Bangladesh PM Hasina said.
Speaking about Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Bangladesh PM said: "At the new dawn of the Amrit Kaal for the next 25 years, I extend our best wishes as India moves forward to attaining the resolutions made for Aatmanirbhar Bharat."
"Trade between India-Bangladesh is increasing rapidly. We have decided to extend cooperation in the IT, Space and Nuclear sectors. Talks are also underway b/w India & Bangladesh on power transmission lines," PM Modi said.
In the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, India and Bangladesh signed Memorandums of Understanding in Delhi.
Talking about Kushiyara River, PM Modi said: "54 rivers flow through India-Bangladesh border & are linked to the livelihood of people in both countries. Today, we have signed an important agreement regarding water-sharing of Kushiyara River."
"We have extended our cooperation on flood mitigation. We have been sharing real-time data regarding floods with Bangladesh & have also discussed terrorism. It's imperative, that we together face the forces that are adversarial to us," he said.
Speaking about strengthening relations with Bangladesh, PM Modi stated: "Today, Bangladesh is India's biggest development partner and our biggest trade partner in the region. There is a continuous improvement in the people to people cooperation."
"PM Narendra Modi & Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina held talks to review and further strengthen the all-encompassing India-Bangladesh partnership," MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi was quoted by ANI on its official Twitter handle.
Earlier today, PM Hasina at Rashtrapati Bhavan stated that India was a friend, emphasising the two countries' connections.
"Whenever I come to India, it's pleasure for me, especially because we always recall the contribution India has made during our liberation war...With friendship, you can solve any problem," she added.
The overall strategic relationship between India and Bangladesh has improved in recent years, with the two Prime Ministers meeting 12 times since 2015.
PM Modi visited Bangladesh in March of last year to attend festivities commemorating the birth centenary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the 50th anniversary of the liberation struggle.
India has also organised a number of activities to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1971 war that resulted in Bangladesh's freedom.
Earlier on Monday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and billionaire Gautam Adani paid a visit to Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. During her visit, Hasina will also meet with President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar.