India, Bangladesh have agreed to bolster maritime ties during the visit of Indian Navy chief Adm Dinesh K Tripathi to the neighbouring country. The Navy chief is currently on a four-day visit to Bangladesh, which saw him meeting top Bangladeshi military officials including his counterpart, Bangladeshi Navy chief Admiral M Nazmul Hassan. Besides, he also called on Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCROLL TO CONTINUE READING
The new Navy chief has chosen Bangladesh as his first foreign visit since taking charge which showcases emphasis on Delhi’s “neighbourhood first” and “SAGAR” policy.
Also read | What is Neighbourhood First, SAGAR outlook? Foreign policy frameworks at centre of Modi 3.0 inauguration
On Tuesday (July 2), during his call on Bangladesh PM, he pointed growing cooperation between the two sides. The Bangladesh PM Hasina highlighted that how both countries have “model” ties.
She said: “Bangladesh and India had resolved many problems through dialogue. This relationship could be a model and exemplary for many other neighbouring countries,” according to Bangladesh’s national news agency BSS.
PM Hasina also recalled India’s role in Bangladesh’s War of Liberation in 1971.
Indian Navy chief’s visit coincided with the arrival of Indian naval ship Ranvir at Bangladesh’s Chattogram port as part of Operational deployment. The Indian Navy ship will participate in a Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX)/ PASSEX with ships of the Bangladesh Navy during its stay in Bangladeshi waters.
Also watch | Gravitas Plus: Remembering Bangladesh Liberation War: How India helped its neighbour
Notably, India trains Bangladeshi naval officers as well as part of cooperation between the two sides.
During the visit, Indian Navy chief also addresses National Defence College, Dhaka, reviews the passing out parade scheduled at Bangladesh Naval Academy (BNA) at Chittagong, places where Bangladesh’s next generation military officials are trained.
Maritime cooperation between the two countries has grown from strength to strength in recent years, with significant ramp up on joint efforts towards protection of maritime interests, search and rescue at sea, joint naval exercises as well as coordinated patrols along the shared maritime borders.
New Delhi has also emerged as major backer for Bangladesh’s defence upgradation, including announcement of line of credit under the sector.
Last month, Bangladesh Navy signed a contract for ‘Made in India’ 800 tonnes Ocean Going Tug with India’s Garden Reach Shipbuilding & Engineers. The tug is part of $500-million line of credit extended to Bangladesh by India.
The visit comes even as high level visit between the two sides continue.
In the month of June this year, Bangladesh PM Hasina visited India twice, first for the oath taking ceremony of PM Modi for his third consecutive term, then for a state visit.
The visit by the Indian Navy Chief also comes ahead of PM Hasina’s visit to China.
Source link : https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-and-bangladesh-strengthen-maritime-ties-with-navy-chief-tripathis-visit-737508/amp
Author :
Publish date : 2024-07-03 08:22:11
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
