India, Bangladesh to heighten diplomatic engagements before Modi’s visit to Dhaka

The tempo of diplomatic engagement between Bangladesh and India is rising ahead of prime minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bangladesh which is expected to take place in the last week of March.

This will be the prime minister’s first visit to a foreign country since the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic. PM Modi has taken part in various bilateral and multilateral meetings virtually.

An official announcement about the visit is yet to be made. Sources told ANI that visit is expected to take place on 26 and 27 March. Contours and agenda of the visit are being finalised.

Ahead of the prime minister’s visit, home secretary Ajay Bhalla will be in Dhaka to hold talks with his counterpart Mostafa Kamal Uddin.

External affairs minister S Jaishankar will also be visiting Dhaka to meet his Bangladesh counterpart AK Abdul Momen on 4 March.

India has accorded the highest priority in the supply of Covid-19 vaccines supply to Bangladesh. Narendra Modi and Sheikh Hasina share a good rapport.

Bangladesh army contingent took part in this year’s republic day celebration in India and both countries are organising a number of events to celebrate the 50th year of independence of Bangladesh.