Modi writes to Hasina: Hopes for new era of S.Asia cooperation and connectivity

The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has written to Mrs. Sheikh Hasina, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, thanking her for her letter of felicitations on his assumption of office.

In the letter, which was handed over by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka, Modi has said that he is convinced that the wellbeing of every nation is linked to its neighbourhood, and therefore, he places special emphasis on India's engagement with its neighbours.

"I sincerely hope we can all work together to foster a new era of cooperation and connectivity across the South Asian region, which will ignite our collective surge to prosperity," an official statement released by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) quoted the Prime Minister, as writing.

Modi emphasized that for India, Bangladesh is "not merely a neighbour, but a nation with which we share history, culture, civilization, and enduring links between people."

The ideals of democracy, secularism, pluralism and rule of law also serve as a link between India and Bangladesh, the Prime Minister has said.

"My government will apply itself to further accelerating our engagement and strengthening the framework of our relationships," Modi assured Sheikh Hasina.

The Prime Minister has accepted Sheikh Hasina's invitation to visit Bangladesh. He has extended an invitation to Sheikh Hasina to visit India at her earliest convenience.