Modi to hold meeting with Khaleda

New Delhi yesterday confirmed that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a meeting with BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia tomorrow afternoon.

Indian Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar confirmed this while briefing the media in New Delhi on Modi's trip.

The announcement came just hours after Bangladesh Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali at a press conference ruled out “any possibility” of the Indian PM meeting Khaleda during his 34-hour trip.

“He [Modi] will then receive a number of important Bangladeshi leaders…. They would include Leader of the Opposition Begum Raushan Ershad, former prime minister of Bangladesh Khaleda Zia, presidents of leading chambers and leaders of leftist parties,” Jaishankar told newsmen.

Asked about the meetings, a diplomatic source in New Delhi said they are part of Modi's unofficial engagement.

It may be mentioned that Khaleda had congratulated Modi last year even before the official results of the Indian national polls were out.

She also thanked the Modi government after the Indian parliament had ratified the Land Boundary Agreement with Bangladesh.