AMN
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar Wednesday had a meeting with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Security Adviser Tarrique Ahmed Siddique in Dhaka. Sources said the two discussed the security situation and probable expansion of bilateral defence co-operation and security ties between the two countries.
The first Defence Minister of India to visit Bangladesh since 1971, Mr. Parrikar, leading a high-powered delegation, is meeting the top Bangladesh leadership to firm up an upgraded defence co-operation framework likely to be signed by Hasina during her visit to Delhi next month.
Accompanying Vice-Chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air force paid courtesy calls on the three Service Chiefs of the Bangladesh Armed Forces and discussed ways and means to expand bilateral defence co-operation.
Mr. Parrikar also met President Abdul Hamid and exchanged views with him. On his arrival this morning in a special aircraft, the Defence Minister was received at the Bangladesh Air Force Base at Kurmitola in the capital by Principal Staff Officer of the Bangladesh Armed Forces Division Retd Lt gen. Mahfuzur Rahman in the presence of Indian High Commissioner Harsh Vardhan Sringla and other officials from various concerned Ministries.
As close neighbours sharing strong cultural and historic bonds, India and Bangladesh have a comprehensive and deep bilateral relationship including defence co-operation.
However contemporary problems like terrorism and complex geopolitics of the region demand both countries to deepen security ties and expand defence co-operation.
Defence Minister is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who also holds the defence portfolio, following a visit to Bangladesh Military Academy in Chittagong.