NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Bangladesh is situated at the confluence of India's Neighbourhood First Policy, Act East Policy, Vision Sagar, and Indo-Pacific Vision. Addressing a joint press conference with his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina in New Delhi, Prime Minister Modi said, "In the last one year, we have together completed many important projects of public welfare...Trade in Indian Rupees has started between the two countries."

"We have kept connectivity, commerce and collaboration as our focus. In the last 10 years, we have restored the connectivity before 1965. We will now focus on digital and energy connectivity even more. This will speed up the economies of both countries," Modi added.

PM Hasina arrived in India on Friday evening on a two-day visit.

On Saturday, both countries signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and agreements in several sectors including health and medicine, telecom, space, and railways.

During the press conference, Indian PM Modi announced that his country would start an e-medical visa facility for people coming from Bangladesh to India for medical treatment.

"We have taken the initiative to open a new Assistant High Commission in Rangpur for the convenience of the people of the North West region of Bangladesh," he added.

Modi also wished the cricket teams of India and Bangladesh the best of luck for their T20 World Cup match scheduled later on Saturday.

Speaking to reporters, Bangladesh PM Hasina said India is her country's major neighbour, trusted friend, and regional partner.
"Bangladesh greatly values our relations with India, which were born during our war of liberation in 1971... I pay homage to the brave, fallen heroes of India who sacrificed their lives during our war of liberation in 1971..." Hasina said.

"This is my first bilateral visit to any country after Bangladesh's 12th parliamentary elections and the formation of our new government in January 2024," she added.