Will continue supporting Bangladesh's growth under Hasina's leadership: Modi

Before embarking on a state-visit to Bangladesh, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that his country will continue to support Bangladesh's remarkable development journey.

"Our partnership with Bangladesh is an important pillar of our Neighbourhood First policy, and we are committed to further deepen and diversify it. We will continue to support Bangladesh's remarkable development journey, under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's dynamic leadership," he wrote on Twitter.

He also expressed joy and happiness to pay the first foreign visit to Bangladesh, after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I am happy that my first foreign visit after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic will be to our friendly neighbouring country, with which India shares deep cultural, linguistic and people-to-people ties," he said in a departure statement.

Narendra Modi also said his visit will not only be an occasion to convey appreciation for Bangladesh's remarkable economic and developmental strides under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visionary leadership, but also to commit India's abiding support for these achievements. 

The Indian prime minister looked forward to having substantive discussions with his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina, President Abdul Hamid and other dignitaries.

In his statement, Modi termed Bangabandhu as one of the tallest leaders of the last century.

"Bangabandhu was one of the tallest leaders of the last Century, whose life and ideals continue to inspire millions, he said, adding that he will pay a visit to Bangabandhu's Samadhi in Tungipara to pay respects to his memory.

Narendra Modi is scheduled to reach Dhaka on Friday morning, to join the grand celebrations of the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and golden jubilee of Bangladesh's independence.