The Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheik Hasina, is meeting her Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, in New Delhi on Tuesday, September 6. On the menu of discussions: trade agreements and financial loans. But also thornier subjects such as Rohingya refugees or religious minorities.
With our correspondent in Bangalore, Como Bastin
This four-day state visit began between friendly countries on Tuesday, September 6 in the Indian capital. At the center of future discussions, the signing of a treaty which should double trade between India and Bangladesh.
“ Bangladesh is our biggest trading partner Narendra Modi recalled. India should grant nearly 9.5 billion dollars in loans to its neighbor. Bangladesh’s growth, once very dynamic, has indeed been greatly impacted by Covid-19.
To reassure
Interviewed by Indian television, Sheik Hasina insisted on reassuring her country’s economic solidity and responding to accusations of attacks on Hindu minorities. “ Some think that Bangladesh will suffer the same fate as Sri Lanka. But since Covid-19, we have encouraged food self-sufficiency in the villages. We are very careful not to waste public finances. I also remind you that Bangladesh is a secular country, she pointed out. My government takes very strict action against any incident against religious minorities. »
Behind the diplomatic pomp, the two countries must move forward on the tense file of the Rohingya refugees. Bangladesh criticizes India for not taking its part in the face of this migratory flow. The distribution of transboundary waters, in particular the Kushiyara River, should also be the subject of an agreement. ” With friendship you can solve any problem “, Judged the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.