India and Bangladesh reinforce ties as New Delhi attempts to endedupbeing a local power.
ByASHOK SHARMA Associated Press
NEW DELHI — India and Bangladesh on Saturday moved to boost their defense relationship and signed contracts for broadening cooperation in maritime security, ocean economy, area, and telecommunication sectors, as New Delhi attempts to present itself as a local power and a counterweight to China.
The arrangements were signed throughout Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s checkout to India, the veryfirst foreign leader to see New Delhi giventhat Narendra Modi endedupbeing the nation’s prime minister for a 3rd term 2 weeks earlier.
Modi invited Bangladesh’s choice to signupwith his Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative to broaden and helpwith local cooperation of India’s maritime next-doorneighbors. He stated the offers with Dhaka were part of his nation’s pursuit of a neighborhood-first method.
Bangladesh likewise delightsin excellent ties with China, its significant trade partner mainly for raw products. But preserving a close relationship with Beijing is difficult for Bangladesh, which likewise stabilizes diplomatic and trade relationships with India and the United States, China’s primary competitors.
B