Write a note on 'Indo - Bangladesh Relations in the present context'.
Answers
India was the first country to recognize Bangladesh as a separate and independent
state and established diplomatic relations with the country immediately after its
independence in December 1971. India's links with Bangladesh are civilisational, cultural,
social and economic. There is much that unites the two countries – a shared history and
common heritage, linguistic and cultural ties, passion for music, literature and the arts.
This commonality is reflected in our multi-dimensional and expanding relations. India and
Bangladesh’s geographical locations complement each other and present an opportunity
for both to further develop their connectivity links and economies.
High-level exchanges, visits and meetings take place regularly alongside the wide
ranging people-to-people interaction. The landmark visits of the Prime Minister Sheikh
Hasina to India in January 2010 and the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Bangladesh
in September 2011 have opened a new chapter in our bilateral relations with Bangladesh.
The visit of President Pranab Mukherjee to Bangladesh in March 2013, on his first trip
abroad since assuming this post, reflects the highest importance that Government of
India attaches to its relationship with Bangladesh, which is based on the principles of
equality, partnership and mutual growth. Smt. Sushma Swaraj’s first “stand-alone” visit to
Bangladesh as the External Affairs Minister in the last week of June 2014 had provided
further momentum to the close and friendly relationship between India and Bangladesh.