International

India-Bangladesh to hold strategic talks: Indian media

As many as 33 agreements and memorandum of understanding (MoU) between India and Bangladesh are expected to be signed during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina`s upcoming visit to India.

Confirming PM Hasina`s schedule for India from April 7-10, Bangladesh Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali said, "The relation between the two countries has reached a new height."

He recounted the invites extended to Bangladesh Prime Minister by PM Modi and later by President Pranab Mukherjee to not only visit India but also stay at the Rashtrapati Bhavan during her visit.

On signing agreements on military cooperation, foreign minister Ali added that MoUs will be signed on the same.

DETAILS OF HASINA`S SCHEDULED VISIT

He said, "It`s not a secret, you will learn everything, he added. About Teesta agreement, he said, "Our relations are in that position now, where we`re talking about a variety of topics."

Apart from military ties and Teesta agreement, information and broadcasting (I&B), civil nuclear research, geological science, third line of credit by India and power and fuel development will also be discussed during the bilateral meet.

Both prime ministers will inaugurate the Birol-Radhikapur railway line, passenger bus service on Khulna-Kolkata route and seal the deal of Tripura`s Palatana electricity project to provide 60 MW to Bangladesh.

On April 10, Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to attend a event that will highlight the business environment of both the countries and emphasise on investment opportunities in Bangladesh.

In addition, 1,661 Indian soldiers who were martyred during the 1971 War of Liberation will be honored posthumously during Hasina`s visit.

Bangladesh prime minister`s entourage will include the foreign minister, minister for liberation war, law and justice minister, water resources minister, economic advisor to PM, among others.