India to open consulate in Rangpur, initiate e-visa facility for Bangladeshi nationals, says Narendra Modi after meeting Sheikh Hasina

Modi said: "In the last one year, we have met around 10 times. However, today's meeting is special because PM Sheikh Hasina is our first State guest in the third term of our govt."

Modi, who earlier this month met Hasina when she attended his oath-taking ceremony following a victory in the general polls, said the Bharat-Bangladesh Maitri Satellite will give new height to the bilateral ties.

“Bangladesh is India’s biggest development partner, and we give utmost importance to our ties with Bangladesh,” PM Modi said.

He said: "The youths of both countries will benefit from the cooperation agreed upon for Green partnership, Digital partnership, Blue economy, Space and many other fields. Bharat-Bangladesh Maitri satellite will give new heights to our relations."

Sheikh Hasina arrived in India on Friday to mark her first State Visit to the neighbouring country since Narendra Modi came to power for third straight term.

Earlier, in the morning Sheikh Hasina, who is on a two-day state visit to India, was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan.

She later went to Rajghat to offer a floral tribute at the samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi.

This year, Hasina returned to power in Bangladesh for the fourth straight term.