In an attempt to enhance the defence partnership between India and Bangladesh, Admiral M. Nazmul Hassan, Chief of the Naval Staff, Bangladesh Navy, is on a five-day official visit to India from September 12–16. During the visit, the admiral is scheduled to meet India’s Chief of the Defence Staff, Chief of the Naval Staff, Defence Secretary, and Foreign Secretary, among others.
Earlier in the day, Adm. Hassan laid a wreath and paid tribute at the National War Memorial, followed by a meeting with Adm. R. Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff, where he was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour.
The discussions revolved around issues related to the enhancement of cooperation in the field of operations, training, information exchange, and participation in multilateral constructs.
The navy chief’s visit comes days after Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina attended the G20 summit in the Indian capital.
The Ministry of Defence said, During the bilateral interactions, cooperation issues like coordinated patrol along the International Maritime Boundary Line, bilateral exercise BONGOSAGAR, conduct of naval training, and reciprocal visits of delegations are likely to be discussed.
On completion of engagements in New Delhi, Admiral M. Nazmul Hassan is scheduled to visit Mumbai, where he will interact with the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, and also visit an indigenously constructed Indian Naval Ship.
It is pertinent to note that both countries share bonds of history, language, culture, and multitudes of other commonalities, and enhancing their defence cooperation will further contribute to maintaining peace in the region.