PM Sheikh Hasina in Delhi to attend Narendra Modi’s oath-taking ceremony
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh arrived in New Delhi today to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister of India for a record-equalling third consecutive term. The visit underscores the strong bilateral ties and personal rapport between the two leaders, reflecting the growing cooperation between the neighboring countries over the past decade.
Sheikh Hasina’s visit began with her arrival at the Palam Air Force Station at 11:51 am local time. She traveled via a special flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, which departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at 10:15 am. Upon her arrival, the Bangladeshi Prime Minister was received with high honors by key Indian officials, including Muktesh Pardeshi, Secretary (CPV and OIA) of the Indian External Affairs Ministry, Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma, and Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Md. Mustafizur Rahman.
During her stay in New Delhi, Prime Minister Hasina is scheduled for several important engagements. She will have a one-to-one meeting with Narendra Modi following the oath-taking ceremony, which is slated to be held at Rashtrapati Bhavan at 7:20 pm on Sunday. The ceremony will be followed by a state dinner hosted by the President of India, where Sheikh Hasina will be one of the distinguished guests.
Sheikh Hasina’s presence at the ceremony is a testament to the close diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and India. The invitation extended by Prime Minister Modi, and its acceptance by Sheikh Hasina, highlights the mutual respect and strategic partnership that the two leaders have fostered over the years.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s swearing-in marks his third consecutive term as the head of the Indian government, a testament to his leadership and the support he enjoys within India. The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured 293 seats in the 18th Lok Sabha elections, while the opposition INDIA bloc garnered 234 seats. Despite the BJP not achieving an outright majority, the support from key allies like the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) ensured a comfortable majority for the NDA.
World leaders, including Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Nepal’s Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, are also attending the event, which is expected to witness a record presence of over 8,000 dignitaries. This high-profile attendance underscores India’s significant role in regional and global politics.
The cordial relations between Modi and Hasina were further exemplified when Sheikh Hasina was among the first foreign leaders to congratulate Modi on the resounding victory of the NDA. In her congratulatory message, Sheikh Hasina acknowledged Modi’s leadership, stating, “As the leader of the largest democracy in the world, you carry the hopes and aspirations of the people of India.”
During a conversation over the telephone, Modi thanked Sheikh Hasina for her warm wishes and reiterated the historic ties between India and Bangladesh.
“India and Bangladesh share historic relations, which have seen unprecedented growth in the last decade,” Modi said.
In a message shared on X, Modi said he looks forward to working together to further strengthen the people-centric partnership between Bangladesh and India.
Sheikh Hasina’s visit to New Delhi is not merely a diplomatic formality but a significant gesture that underscores the strategic importance of India-Bangladesh relations. Both countries have a shared history and have worked closely on various fronts, including trade, security, and cultural exchanges.
The meeting between Modi and Hasina is expected to cover a range of bilateral issues, including economic cooperation, regional security, and cross-border connectivity. The two leaders have often highlighted their commitment to addressing mutual concerns and fostering an environment of peace and prosperity in South Asia.
The future of India-Bangladesh relations looks promising, with both nations poised to build on the strong foundation laid over the past decade. Under Modi’s leadership, India has pursued a proactive foreign policy that emphasizes regional cooperation and connectivity. Bangladesh, under Hasina’s leadership, has emerged as a key partner in these endeavors, contributing to the stability and development of the region.
As Modi takes the oath for his third term, the continued engagement and collaboration with Bangladesh will likely remain a priority. The personal rapport between the two leaders, coupled with their shared vision for a prosperous South Asia, will play a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of bilateral relations in the coming years.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to depart from New Delhi on Monday at 5 pm local time and is expected to arrive back in Dhaka at 8 pm BD time. Her visit, though brief, signifies the enduring friendship and strategic partnership between India and Bangladesh, setting the stage for continued cooperation and mutual growth in the years ahead.
