Modi writes to Hasina, wants to visit

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sent a letter to his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina expressing his willingness to visit Bangladesh.

Visiting Indian Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar handed over the letter to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her Sangsad Bhaban office this evening when he paid a courtesy call on her.

PM's Press Secretary AKM Shameem Chowdhuri briefed reporters after the meeting.

He said Modi in his letter stated that he is eagerly waiting to visit Bangladesh.

"Modi in the letter has also reiterated his invitation to Sheikh Hasina for visiting India," Shameem Chowdhuri said.

In her reply, Hasina said she is keenly waiting to welcome the Indian prime minister.

The PM's press secretary said the Indian foreign secretary informed Hasina that New Delhi is going to sign two deals -- trade on protocol and agreement on coastal shipping -- with Dhaka for boosting trade and commerce between the two countries.