NEW DELHI: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi held bilateral talks to review and further strengthen the relationship between both countries at Hyderabad House on Tuesday.

The official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs Arindam Bagchi said in a tweet that both leaders had met 12 times since 2015.

“PM @narendramodi and PM Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh hold talks to review and further strengthen the all-encompassing India-Bangladesh partnership. Having met 12 times already since 2015, regular engagements between our leaders add significant momentum to ties,” Bagchi tweeted.

Earlier, Hasina laid a wreath and paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. She received a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Soon after the welcome, the Bangladesh Prime Minister said she feels happy to be in India every time while noting significant ties between New Delhi and Dhaka. “India is our friend. Whenever I come here, it is a pleasure for me, especially because we always recall the contribution India has made during our liberation war. We have a friendly relationship, we are cooperating with each other,” the Bangladesh Premier said today.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Bangladesh PM Hasina as she arrived at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Hasina shook hands with PM Modi.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was also present. Rashtrapati Bhavan was decked up for Hasina’s welcome.

She is set to meet President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar today.

Hasina began her four-day visit to India yesterday as Bangladesh is an essential partner under India’s “Neighbouhood First” policy.

Soon after arriving in New Delhi on Monday, the Bangladesh Prime Minister met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and discussed issues of bilateral interest. She also visited Nizamuddin Aulia Dargah, a prominent pilgrimage tourist attraction in Delhi.

PM Hasina was welcomed by Darshana Jardosh, Minister of State for Textiles and Railways in New Delhi upon her arrival here on Monday.

Hasina’s visit is crucial and will further strengthen the multifaceted relationship between India and Bangladesh.

Issues, which are on top of the agenda are upgrading defense cooperation, expanding regional connectivity initiatives and establishing stability in South Asia. This is her first visit after both nations’ bilateral relations touched their 50th year in 2021.

Last year also marked the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s independence and the 100th birth anniversary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of the nation. PM Modi visited Bangladesh in 2021.

Maitri Diwas celebrations were held in 20 capitals around the world including Delhi and Dhaka. (ANI)