Modi hails Bangladesh as pillar of India’s ‘neighbourhood first policy’; Sheikh Hasina stresses need to sign Teesta pact – India News , Firstpost

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina held a virtual meeting on Thursday where a broad range of issues were discussed, including the Teesta water-sharing agreement, a trade pact and COVID-19 vaccines.

At the virtual summit, India and Bangladesh sealed seven agreements on various fronts — hydrocarbons, elephant conservation, sanitation and agriculture, and restored a cross-border rail link which was in operation till 1965.

Modi termed Bangladesh a major pillar of the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy during the meet.

“From the very first day, strengthening and development of relations with Bangladesh has been a special priority for me,” he said after the bilateral meeting.

Meanwhile, Hasina invited Modi on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s Independence and 50 years of Bangladesh-India diplomatic relations in March next year, which he accepted.

Both the sides also laid stress on simplifying the movement of people between the two countries.

“Bangladesh side requested for early implementation of India’s commitment to remove remaining restrictions on entry/exit from land ports in India for Bangladeshis travelling on valid documents in a phased manner, beginning with checkpoints at Akhaura (Tripura) and Ghojadanga (West Bengal),” a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs said.

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