Doval became the first high-ranking Indian official to visit Dhaka since Hasina returned to power for a record fifth time. The NSA’s visit will be followed by the visit of the Bangladesh foreign minister here this week.
While details of Doval’s visit are not yet known, it is understood that the Indian NSA touched upon regional dynamics and strategic aspects of bilateral relations.
Issues of counterterrorism, security of Bay of Bengal and security partnership would have figured high on the agenda of discussions, sources indicated. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the first leader to telephone Hasina following her victory in the general elections in January this year.
Doval plays a critical role in India’s outreach to the neighbouring countries. Stability of Bangladesh is critical to India’s security in the sub-continent and Doval takes keen interest in the stability of the Bay of Bengal region. Bangladesh provides crucial connectivity to India’s landlocked northeast region.
(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)
