Modi flies in

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Dhaka this morning amid high hopes for strengthening economic and trade ties between the two neighbouring countries.

Rajdoot, a special aircraft of Indian Air Force carrying the Indian premier, touched down at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 10:10am Bangladesh time.

As he walked down the airstair of Rajdoot, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina warmly welcomed her Indian counterpart.

The Indian leader was presented a 19-gun salute and a guard of honour by a contingent of Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force personnel.

From the airport, Modi went to National Memorial in Savar around 11:25am and paid homage to the martyrs of the Liberation War.

This is Modi’s first visit to Bangladesh since his swearing in as Indian PM.

Just before starting for Dhaka on a 34-hour trip, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today tweeted that his visit was going to strengthen the ties between the two nations.

“Leaving for Bangladesh. This visit is going to strengthen the bond between our Nations, benefitting people of our countries & our region,” Modi tweeted.

Capital Dhaka has already worn a festive look with streets adorned with life-size cutouts of Modi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Both countries are agog with unprecedented expectations that his trip would take bilateral relations to a new level and exploit the economic and trade potentials keeping borders open for each other.

Modi’s visit to Bangladesh is going to be special since with it the two closest neighbours are expected to get the sensitive connectivity (in rail, road and waterways) ball rolling for mutual growth.

The clearance of a dozen deals by the cabinets of the two countries is a clear indication that the two sides want to integrate economic activities through rail, road and waterways connectivity.

On top of the agenda will be rail, road and waterways connectivity for trade between the two neighbours and also with a third country by using each other's territory.

The two countries move to establish a much stronger partnership in various sectors with Modi seeking to improve ties with India's neighbours as part of his vision for regional development.