Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bangladesh is important as it marks a triple celebration: the birth centenary of the father of the nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s independence, and 50 years of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and India.
There is a lot to expect from the visit. First, major expansion of bilateral cooperation in all relevant fields from investment and energy to connectivity and culture. Second, there is much excitement in Northeast and West Bengal over this visit during the pandemic, further enhancing closer, mutually respectful people-to-people ties between both nations. Third, Bangladesh expects India’s full support on river water management and Rohingyas returning to Bangladesh. Fourth, both countries can expect to renew their resolve to push the cause of deeper regional integration through BIMSTEC. Lastly, India might encourage and support Bangladesh’s role as a partner in the Bay of Bengal and Indo-Pacific.