India, Bangladesh discuss COVID-19 assistance to increase connectivity post-pandemic

Alarmed over Bangladesh’s closeness with China, India dispatched its Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla to meet Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka.

Shringla in first foreign visit since the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak arrived on a two-day visit to Bangladesh and called on PM Hasina who appreciated the fact that PM Narendra Modi sent Shringla to Dhaka.

During the meeting, both the countries discussed ways to co-operate on containing the coronavirus pandemic, including on therapeutics and vaccine.

The revival of the economy in a post-pandemic world and enhancing connectivity was also discussed.

During the meeting, the two further discussed security-related issues of mutual interest and proposal for the travel bubble for business, official, and medical travel amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.

“Areas of interest were development partnership, enhancing connectivity, the revival of economy post-COVID, cooperation on COVID-19 assistance, including on therapeutics and vaccine, a joint commemoration of Mujib Barsho (or the birth centenary of Bangladesh’s founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman),” sources told ANI.

Also read: India enters race for Covid-19 vaccine plan with global players

PM Hasina has not met with any dignitary from abroad and had very few visitors from within Bangladesh over the past few months and sources said she appreciated the fact that PM Narendra Modi sent Shringla to Dhaka “to touch base, convey a message and see how the two sides could take the relationship forward.”

PM Hasina expressed “gratefulness” for the supply of locomotives from India. Last month the Indian Railways had handed over 10 broad-gauge (BG) diesel locomotives to Bangladesh.

The groundwork was also laid for virtual Joint Consultative Commission at Foreign Minister level to oversee relationship, especially projects. Apart from this, security-related issues of mutual interest were also discussed.

Amid tensions with India along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), China has been busy buying influence and has stepped up trade diplomacy with Nepal and Bangladesh – two of New Delhi’s close allies.

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