Bangladesh key pillar of our ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, says PM Modi

TIL Desk/National/New Delhi/ In a reflection of their rapidly growing ties, India and Bangladesh on Thursday sealed seven agreements to further broadbase cooperation in a plethora of sectors, and restored a cross-border rail link snapped by the 1965 war with Pakistan.

The restoration of the Chilahati-Haldibari railway link and signing of the pacts, providing for cooperation in areas of hydrocarbons, agriculture and textiles among others, came at a virtual summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina.

In his opening remarks, Modi said the holding of the virtual summit immediately after celebration of the Vijay Diwas (Victory Day) assumed “special significance” and noted that Bangladesh is a key pillar of India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy. On Wednesday, India began the 50th anniversary year celebrations of its victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war that led to the birth of Bangladesh. Bangladesh celebrates December 16 as ‘Bijoy Dibosh’ (Victory Day).