The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced in a press release that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh will undertake a State Visit to India on 21-22 June 2024, following an invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
This visit marks the initial bilateral State Visit since the formation of the Indian government subsequent to the 18th Lok Sabha elections.
“During the visit, apart from holding bilateral consultations with the Prime Minister, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to call on President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar,” the release added.
EAM S Jaishankar is set to meet with the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was among the global leaders present at the inauguration of the Prime Minister and the Union Council of Ministers on June 9.
Over time, India and Bangladesh have developed a diverse relationship, characterized by a common history, culture, and geographical closeness. The two nations share cordial relations, which have flourished further under the leadership of PM Modi and Sheikh Hasina.
In 2023, there was a surge in bilateral activities, showcasing the strength of this relationship. Both Prime Ministers jointly inaugurated the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline on 18th March in a virtual ceremony.
Additionally, PM Hasina participated remotely in the Inaugural Session of the Voice of the Global South Summit on 11th January 2023 and the second Virtual Voice of the Global South Summit on 17th November 2023.
During India’s G20 Presidency in 2023, Bangladesh, as a Guest Country, actively participated in various tracks at the Ministerial level. This involvement included the attendance of AK Abdul Momen, the former Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, at the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting in March 2023 and the G-20 Development Ministers Meeting in June 2023.
Additionally, both Prime Ministers jointly inaugurated three development projects in Bangladesh on 1 November 2023, facilitated by Indian assistance. These projects encompass the Akhaura-Agartala cross-border rail link, the Khulna-Mongla Port rail line, and Unit II of the Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant, as reported by the MEA.