PM Modi holds bilateral talks with his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held extensive talks with his visiting Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina to further shore up cooperation in diverse areas including trade and connectivity. Speaking to the media the bilateral meeting PM Modi said, “Both sides agreed to start talks on CEPA to take forward our economic ties”. “Bangladesh lies at confluence of India’s Neighbourhood First policy, Act East policy, Vision SAGAR and Indo-Pacific vision,” PM Modi said. The two sides also signed an MoU regarding maritime cooperation and the blue economy. The overall strategic ties between India and Bangladesh have been on an upswing in the last few years. Bangladesh is an important partner for India under its “Neighbourhood First” policy and the cooperation extends to areas of security, trade, commerce, energy, connectivity, science and technology, defence and maritime affairs among others.