Relations between India and its immediate neighbour Bangladesh have been time-tested and strong. India presided over the birth of the new nation in 1971 and have enjoyed close and cordial relations ever since. The Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ongoing four-day state visit to India will highlight these ties once again and further cement relations between two neighbours. During the visit, the two sides are likely to ink at least seven bilateral agreements in areas like water management, railway and science and technology. Issues related to security cooperation, investment, enhanced trade relations, power and energy sector cooperation, water sharing of common rivers, water resources management, border management, and combating drug smuggling and human trafficking are likely to get priority during the talks between two sides. This is Hasina’s first visit to India since 2019. Her delegation comprises Foreign Minister Momen, Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi, Railways Minister Md Nurul Islam Sujan, Liberation War Minister A. K. M. Mozammel Haq and Mashiur A. K. M. Rahman, the economic affairs advisor to the Prime Minister. The visit will further strengthen the multifaceted relationship between the two countries based on strong historical and cultural ties and mutual trust and understanding, according to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. India and Bangladesh signed an interim water sharing agreement for Kushiyara river, the first such pact since the signing of the Ganga water treaty in 1996. Sheikh Hasina noted that India and Bangladesh share 54 rivers and sought early conclusion of the Teesta water sharing agreement, which has been hanging fire for more than a decade due to opposition from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. India and Bangladesh signed a memorandum of understanding on sharing of waters of Kushiyara river, a pact that will benefit people residing in southern Assam and the Sylhet division of Bangladesh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted that the important agreement on sharing water of the Kushiyara river will benefit southern Assam in India and Sylhet region in Bangladesh. Modi said there were 54 rivers that pass through the Indo-Bangladesh border, and have been linked to the livelihood of the people of the two countries for centuries. These rivers, folk tales about them, folk songs, have also been witness to our shared cultural heritage. Hasina shared the sentiments expressed by Modi and also stressed on the need to have watersharing agreements for other rivers as well. She said the two countries have resolved many issues in the spirit of friendship and cooperation. It is hoped that all outstanding issues, including Teesta water sharing agreement, will be concluded as an early date. Modi and Hasina had a fruitful conversation on enhancing cooperation in relation to flood mitigation. India has been sharing flood-related data with Bangladesh on a real-time basis. The period of data sharing has also been extended. Hasina was accorded a ceremonial reception at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhawan where Modi extended a warm welcome to her. She said the two nations were also working to develop stronger economic ties to fulfill the basic needs of the people of the two countries. Hasina told her Indian counterpart that her main aim is to develop the economy and fulfill the basic needs of our people. With friendship you can solve any problem. So we always do that. After the bilateral talks, Modi hosted a one-on-one lunch for the visiting dignitary at the Hyderabad House here. India and Bangladesh had signed the Ganga water treaty in 1996 for sharing waters of the mighty river for a period of 30 years. The treaty was signed by the then prime minister H D Deve Gowda and Hasina. SPIRITUAL WORLD