Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced plans to open a consulate in Ranpur and initiate e-medical visa facility for Bangladeshi citizens, during bilateral talks with his counterpart Sheikh Hasina. This will be Sheikh Hasina's first State Visit to India since Narendra Modi came to power for a third straight term. The two leaders also discussed cooperation in various fields, with Modi highlighting Bangladesh as India's biggest development partner. This move is expected to further strengthen the bilateral ties between the two countries.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bilateral Talks with Bangladeshi Counterpart Deepen Ties
During a recent bilateral meeting, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina announced significant initiatives aimed at bolstering relations between the two nations.
Consulate in Ranpur and E-Medical Visa Facility
PM Modi unveiled plans to establish a consulate in Ranpur, a strategically located city in southern Bangladesh. This move is expected to enhance commercial, cultural, and people-to-people exchanges.
Additionally, India will introduce an e-medical visa facility for Bangladeshi citizens. This initiative simplifies the process for Bangladeshis seeking medical treatment in India, a destination known for its advanced healthcare infrastructure.
Bilateral Cooperation
The leaders also explored avenues for collaboration in various sectors, including trade, investment, energy, and water management. PM Modi emphasized Bangladesh's status as India's largest development partner.
Background
India and Bangladesh share a long and dynamic history. The opening of a consulate in Ranpur marks a new chapter in their diplomatic relations. The e-medical visa facility aligns with India's "Neighborhood First" policy, which prioritizes cooperative engagements with neighboring countries.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. Why is India opening a consulate in Ranpur?
To strengthen diplomatic ties, promote trade, and facilitate people-to-people exchanges.
2. What is the significance of the e-medical visa facility?
It simplifies the visa application process for Bangladeshis seeking medical treatment in India.
3. What other areas of cooperation were discussed?
Trade, investment, energy, water management, and security.
4. What is Bangladesh's role in India's foreign policy?
Bangladesh is India's largest development partner and a key strategic ally in the region.
5. What are the expected outcomes of these initiatives?
Improved bilateral relations, increased investment, and enhanced connectivity between India and Bangladesh.
The initiatives announced by PM Modi and Sheikh Hasina reflect the growing partnership between India and Bangladesh. These measures are designed to foster collaboration, mutual respect, and a shared future between the two nations.
Cyclone Fengal approaches the Tamil Nadu coast, with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams being deployed in Thanjavur district to handle any possible effects. In Maharashtra, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi presents "President's Colours" to four battalions of mechanised infantry. Meanwhile, heavy rains cause an old house to collapse in Tamil Nadu's Mayiladuthurai and severe waves bring a buoy ashore at Chennai's Marina Beach.
The former head of ISKCON in Bangladesh, Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, was arrested and charged with sedition on Monday, leading to India intervening in the situation. Clashes between security forces and Hindu protestors resulted in the death of a Muslim lawyer defending Das. Amid the chaos, Bangladesh's government has ordered an investigation and ISKCON has denied any connection to terrorism.
Dr. Abraham Mathai, a former Vice-Chairman of Maharashtra State Minorities Commission, has written to the President of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to intervene and secure the release of jailed Iranian Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Ms. Narges Mohammadi, on humanitarian grounds. Mohammadi, who has been imprisoned by Iran for 10 years, is in a precarious state of health and urgently needs comprehensive medical treatment. Ahead of Iran's review under the UN Human Rights Council's Universal Periodic Review, Mathai is urging UNHRC to compel the Iranian authorities to release Mohammadi so she can receive proper care for her serious medical conditions.
India has expressed deep concern over the arrest and denial of bail to Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagaran Jote and head of Pundarik Dham. The Ministry of External Affairs condemned the arrest and highlighted the continuing violence against minorities in Bangladesh, urging authorities to ensure their safety and right to peaceful assembly. Protests have broken out in various parts of Bangladesh, with hundreds of Hindus rallying in Chittagong in response to the news.
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has called upon the Indian government to intervene and secure the release of prominent Hindu leader and priest, Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was detained by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police in Bangladesh. ISKCON, known for its peaceful Bhakti movement, has strongly condemned the baseless allegations connecting the organization with terrorism. Chinmoy Krishna Das, a spokesperson for Bangladesh Sanatan Jagaran Mancha and a prominent figure in the ISKCON community, was taken into custody by the detective branch of Dhaka Metropolitan Police.
Today marks 16 years since the deadly and unforgettable 26/11 attacks in Mumbai, India. As people remember the victims and honor the brave heroes who fought during the attacks, let's not forget the selflessness and courage of Tukaram Omble, an unarmed police officer who saved lives by bravely standing up to terrorist Ajmal Kasab, and Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, a commando who sacrificed his life while leading the rescue mission at the Taj Hotel. On this somber anniversary, we pay tribute to these and other unsung heroes who risked everything to protect and serve their fellow citizens.
Maharashtra Governor and Chief Minister, along with senior officials, pay tributes to martyrs who lost their lives during the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, carried out by 10 terrorists from the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba group. The attacks resulted in the deaths of 166 people and sparked widespread global condemnation, leading to changes in India's counter-terrorism measures. Family members of the martyrs also joined in the tributes, honoring the ultimate sacrifice made by their loved ones.
On November 26, 2008, Mumbai was struck by a devastating terror attack that claimed the lives of 166 individuals and left hundreds injured. As the city observed the 16th anniversary of this tragic event, people across the nation paid their respects to the victims and honored the bravery of security personnel. The coordinated attacks by LeT militants targeted both civilians and law enforcement, serving as a stark reminder of the threat posed by terrorism. Nine attackers were neutralized by security forces, with the sole surviving perpetrator being sentenced to death and executed in 2012. The 26/11 attacks continue to be remembered as a tragic chapter in India's history, demonstrating the resilience and courage of Mumbai and its people.
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has requested the Indian government to intervene and secure the release of its leader Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was detained by Dhaka Metropolitan Police in Bangladesh. ISKCON has vehemently denied any involvement with terrorism and is calling for the immediate release of Chinmoy Krishna Das. The organization has asked the Government of India to reach out to their Bangladeshi counterparts and convey their peaceful message as a Bhakti movement.
On November 26, 2024, India commemorated the 16th anniversary of the tragic 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, one of the deadliest in the nation's history. Leaders from across the country paid their respects to the lives lost and reaffirmed their commitment to fighting against terrorism. President Droupadi Murmu, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah all offered heartfelt tributes and condemned terrorism as a heinous blot on humanity.