Bangladesh and India Strengthen Economic Ties
PM Sheikh Hasina’s Adviser Salman F Rehman Speaks
New Delhi, June 22: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Private Industry and Investment Adviser, Salman F Rehman, emphasized expanding economic cooperation with India to boost ties between the two nations. Rehman highlighted the interest of CEOs in sectors like energy, healthcare, FMCG, IT, and agriculture.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina arrived in India for a two-day state visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This visit marks the first bilateral state visit after the formation of the Indian government following the 18th Lok Sabha elections.
Rehman mentioned that the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) proposed Bangladeshi businesses should expand into other parts of India, a suggestion supported by Hasina. He noted that many CEOs are already invested in Bangladesh and are looking to increase their involvement.
Bangladesh is strategically located to export products to North East India, Bhutan, and South East Asian countries. Rehman explained that the close relationship between Bangladesh and India is supported by Prime Minister Modi’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and Prime Minister Hasina’s priority on neighboring countries.
Rehman stated that the visit aims to build on the existing strong relations and increase economic cooperation at both government and private sector levels. He expects both prime ministers to reaffirm the strong bond between the two nations.
PM Hasina attended the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Modi and the Union Council of Ministers on June 9. The two countries share a multifaceted relationship marked by shared history, culture, and geographical proximity. Under the leadership of Prime Ministers Modi and Hasina, the ties have strengthened.
Last year, the leaders inaugurated the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline and participated in the Voice of the Global South Summit. Bangladesh, as a guest country invited to India’s G20 Presidency in 2023, participated in various tracks at the ministerial level.
On November 1, 2023, both prime ministers inaugurated three Indian-assisted development cooperation projects: the Akhaura-Agartala cross-border rail link, the Khulna-Mongla Port rail line, and Unit II of the Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant in Bangladesh.
