Expectations high as Hasina arrives

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina arrived here late Sunday on her maiden visit, which India sees as “a path-breaking opportunity” to forge a “new” relationship amid hopes that its security concerns will be addressed.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina arrived here late Sunday on her maiden visit, which India sees as “a path-breaking opportunity” to forge a “new” relationship amid hopes that its security concerns will be addressed.

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Hasina was accorded a warm welcome at the Indira Gandhi International Airport where she was received by Minister of State for External Affairs Preneet Kaur and Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Hasina will hold talks on Monday to discuss bilateral relations, particularly focussing on issues of security, terrorism, border-related aspects, connectivity, trade and investment and cooperation in infrastructure building.

Three agreements to fight terror, organised crime and drug trafficking and a pact on sharing electricity will be the highlight of the visit during which India is expected to walk the extra mile to give a major push to the ties.