Prime Minister Narendra Modi Holds Bilateral Meeting with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at G20 Summit
New Delhi, India – In a significant development during the G20 Leaders Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a bilateral meeting with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The meeting took place as part of India’s invitation to Bangladesh, one of the nine guest countries at the G20 summit, held on September 9-10, 2023.
The discussions between the two leaders covered a wide range of international and regional issues that hold mutual interest for India and Bangladesh. They expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved in various facets of their bilateral cooperation, spanning political, security, economic, connectivity, and people-to-people relations.
One of the key highlights of the meeting was the signing of three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at strengthening collaboration between the two nations. These agreements covered areas of digital payment mechanisms, cultural exchanges, and cooperation in agriculture, reflecting a commitment to enhancing ties across multiple sectors.
The leaders also celebrated the operationalization of the Agreement on the use of the Chattogram and Mongla Ports, as well as the commissioning of the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline. These developments marked significant milestones in their bilateral relations. Furthermore, they commended the successful settlement of bilateral trade in Indian Rupees (INR), encouraging businesses on both sides to leverage this mechanism for their benefit.
Looking to the future, Prime Ministers Modi and Hasina expressed eagerness to commence negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). This comprehensive agreement aims to encompass trade in goods, services, and investment protection and promotion, further deepening economic ties between the two countries.
The leaders also discussed their joint efforts in implementing various development cooperation projects, with plans for a joint inauguration ceremony for several projects on the horizon. These projects include the Agartala-Akhaura Rail Link, Unit-II of the Maitri Power Plant, and the Khulna-Mongla Rail Link.
Regarding regional dynamics, Prime Minister Modi commended Bangladesh for its significant role in hosting over a million displaced individuals from Myanmar’s Rakhine State and conveyed India’s constructive approach to supporting safe and sustainable repatriation of the refugees. Additionally, India welcomed Bangladesh’s Indo-Pacific outlook, emphasizing their commitment to continued collaboration in various areas.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina extended her gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for the warm hospitality extended by the Government and people of India. Both leaders expressed their eagerness to continue their interactions at all levels, highlighting the enduring friendship and cooperation between India and Bangladesh.
