At the invitation of Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, Her Excellency Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of Bangladesh, paid a State Visit to India on 21-22 June 2024. The two leaders discussed the enduring India-Bangladesh partnership, which has deepened over the past decade. This relationship is rooted in historical, linguistic, cultural, and economic connections. Inspired by shared sacrifices in 1971 and guided by new aspirations, the partnership now transcends a strategic alliance, built on shared values, equality, trust, and mutual sensitivity.
A Shared Vision for the Future
To maximise the potential of their extraordinary relationship, the leaders outlined a Shared Vision for peace, prosperity, and regional development, driven by connectivity, commerce, and collaboration:
- Interlinked Progress and Development
Both countries see their progress and prosperity as interlinked. They aim to guide India-Bangladesh relations into a future-oriented partnership. This includes realising India’s “Viksit Bharat 2047” and Bangladesh’s “Smart Bangladesh Vision 2041”. Bangladesh plays a key role in India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy and other regional strategies. India, in turn, is vital to Bangladesh’s foreign policy for shared peace and prosperity. - Promoting Connectivity
The partnership aims to transform geographical proximity into economic opportunities through multi-faceted connectivity. This includes physical, energy, and digital connectivity. India will provide transit facilities for Bangladeshi goods to Nepal and Bhutan. Both countries will work towards operationalising the BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreement and enhancing railway connectivity. - Power and Energy Collaboration
They will expand collaboration in power and energy, focusing on intra-regional electricity trade, including clean energy projects. The construction of a 765 kV high-capacity interconnection between Katihar-Parbatipur-Bornagar will be expedited to enhance grid connectivity. - Advancing Digital and Green Technologies
The countries are forging a new partnership through the “Shared Vision for India-Bangladesh Digital Partnership” and “Green Partnership for a Sustainable Future”. This collaboration will leverage digital and green technologies for economic growth, sustainable development, and regional prosperity. Joint ventures in frontier technologies, including civil nuclear, oceanography, and space technology, are planned, including the development of a small satellite for Bangladesh.
Strengthening Trade and Investment
The leaders committed to strengthening trade and investment linkages, starting negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), and operationalising Special Economic Zones in Bangladesh for Indian investments. They will enhance trade infrastructure and facilitate new investment opportunities in priority areas.
Enhancing Water Resource Management
Water resource management remains a priority. Both nations will engage in data exchange and formulate frameworks for water sharing. A Joint Technical Committee will discuss renewing the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty, and conservation efforts for the Teesta River will proceed with Indian assistance.
Defence Cooperation and Development
Defence cooperation will be strengthened with a long-term perspective, focusing on the modernisation of the Bangladesh Armed Forces. Both countries will engage in joint military exercises, training, and capability development.
Expanding Development Cooperation
A new Framework Agreement for Development Partnership will be concluded to expand the reach of projects and programmes. Capacity building for civil services, judicial officers, police, and other specialised services in Bangladesh will be enhanced.
Promoting Cultural and People-to-People Ties
Cultural and historical ties will be nurtured through exchanges involving veterans, scholars, artists, tourists, students, and youth. India will extend e-Medical Visa facilities to Bangladeshis seeking medical treatment in India and open a new Assistant High Commission in Rangpur.
Regional and Global Cooperation
Both countries will accelerate partnerships in youth development sectors and reaffirm their commitment to a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region. They will co-lead the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management pillar of the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative and work together on global platforms to promote common interests, especially those of the Global South.
Conclusion
India and Bangladesh aim to deepen their relationship based on mutual trust and benefit. This Shared Vision for the future will further strengthen their historic ties and build a future-ready partnership.