Diplomatic Correspondent :
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is embarking on a two-day official visit to Delhi today, carrying a basket full of pending bilateral issues.
The changing dynamics of international and regional powerhouses, keen on maintaining strong ties with Bangladesh for development, security, and strategic interests, are at play.
Amid escalating financial pressures and the depletion of foreign reserves, the Awami League government, in its new term, is ramping up diplomatic efforts with neighbouring countries, India and China, to secure significant economic aid and investment.
This marks Sheikh Hasina’s second visit to India within a month. She will hold talks with her Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, focusing on economic cooperation, connectivity, water sharing, and energy issues.
The goal is to elevate the bilateral relationship to new heights, according to diplomatic sources.
Following the meeting between the two prime ministers, preparations are underway to sign more than 10 agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs).
At least four of these agreements are set for renewal upon expiration.
The agreements and MOUs will cover various areas of cooperation, including energy, connectivity, and economic matters.
In addition to reviewing the overall bilateral relationship and various initiatives to enhance road, rail, and energy connectivity, several crucial issues, including border killings, are expected to be discussed in the meeting between Modi and Hasina.
Both leaders have recently secured new terms in office, though under different political circumstances. Sheikh Hasina’s election win came in a poll boycotted by the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party and others, while Narendra Modi secured his position with the support of an alliance, as his majority from the last election was reduced.
During the meeting between the two leaders, the renewal of the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty, originally signed in December 1996 and valid for 30 years, along with the dredging and development of the Teesta River, were expected to be high priorities.
Sources indicate that China has formally proposed taking on Bangladesh’s $1 billion project to develop the Teesta River. In response, India has expressed concerns and is now offering Bangladesh financial support for the project.
Regarding the Teesta agreement, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen told the media that the current status does not indicate any imminent positive developments. However, there is a hopeful aspect: India has recently shown interest in development projects or conservation efforts related to the Teesta.
After discussions with Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra, who visited Dhaka last May, Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud told the media that India is interested in financing projects related to the Teesta, which is crucial for agriculture and aquatic life in the northern regions of Bangladesh.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to India is particularly significant as it precedes another visit to China, a major development and strategic partner for Bangladesh, scheduled for July. Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen recently remarked that her visit to China could be a ‘game changer’.
Bangladesh finds itself in a position where it needs support from both India and China, amidst a backdrop of regional rivalry between the two nations.
Experts suggest that Bangladesh must leverage its position to maintain a balance. China has been instrumental in Bangladesh’s infrastructure development, with investments in the Padma Bridge and various power projects.
During her visit to China, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is likely to seek further investment in infrastructure as well as financial assistance to mitigate immediate economic pressures.
The Awami League government is increasingly relying on loans to cover development and operational expenses due to a bulky budget and various external economic pressures, including a severe dollar crisis and rampant internal inflation.
The proposed budget for the On Saturday, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will receive a ceremonial guard of honour at the Presidential Palace in Delhi.
She will then lay a wreath at Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial at Rajghat and sign the visitor’s book.
Following this, she will attend a private meeting with her Indian counterpart at Hyderabad House, including a state luncheon in her honour.
Later in the day, Sheikh Hasina will meet with Indian Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar at his office and hold a private meeting with Indian President Droupadi Murmu at the Presidential Palace.
The visit concludes with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina departing from Delhi’s Palam Airport for Dhaka on Saturday evening on a special flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines.