‘Bangladesh significant pillar of India’s ‘Neighborhood First’ policy,’ PM Modi at summit with Sheikh Hasina
Modi also said that there was good cooperation between India and Bangladesh to tackle the challenges of coronavirus pandemic.
FollowNew Delhi: India is our true friend," the country's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, thanking India for its support during 1971 Bangladesh liberation war. Ms Hasina was addressing a virtual summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi a day after the 50th anniversary of India's win over Pakistan in the 1971 war that lead to the birth of Bangladesh as an independent nation.
“India is a true friend,” Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. "I pay deep homage to the three million martyrs who laid down their lives. I pay tribute to the members of the Indian armed forces martyred in the war and to their families. I pay my gratitude to the government and the people of India who extended their whole-hearted support for the cause of our nation," she said.
Modi also said that there was good cooperation between India and Bangladesh to tackle the challenges of coronavirus pandemic.
PM Modi said Bangladesh is a "key pillar" of India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy. "We feel proud to celebrate "Bijoy Dibosh" with you to mark Bangladesh's victory over anti-liberation forces," PM Modi said.
“It has been key priority for me to strengthen ties with Bangladesh. Cooperation between India and Bangladesh has been good notwithstanding coronavirus pandemic,” he added.
India and Bangladesh have been making efforts to enhance transport and connectivity. Officials said that the leadership on both sides have been committed to reviving and operationalising the six pre-1965 rail links between India and Bangladesh. With the inauguration of the Haldibari-Chilahati rail link, five links are currently operational.
