Look forward to continue working with PM Hasina to deepen India-Bangladesh ties: Modi

“Today India and Bangladesh commemorate Maitri Diwas. We jointly recall and celebrate the foundations of our 50 years of friendship. I look forward to continue working with H.E. PM Sheikh Hasina to further expand and deepen our ties,” the PM tweeted.

MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi in tweets said: “Today we mark 50 years of India recognizing an independent, sovereign Bangladesh.

“India was one of the first countries to establish bilateral diplomatic ties with Bangladesh on December 6, 1971.

"India-Bangladesh Maitri forged in shared martyrdom during the Liberation War, has traversed a 50 year journey towards scripting Shonali Adhyaya in bilateral relations.

“This year both countries jointly celebrate #MaitriDiwas under the leadership of PM @narendramodi & Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina.”

During the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Bangladesh in Mar 2021 to attend the national day of Bangladesh, it was decided to commemorate Dec 6 as Maitri Diwas (Friendship Day).

Ten days before the liberation of Bangladesh, India had recognised Bangladesh on 6 Dec 1971. India was one of the first countries to establish bilateral diplomatic ties with Bangladesh.

The holding of Maitri Diwas is a reflection of the deep and abiding friendship between the peoples of India and Bangladesh that has been forged in blood and shared sacrifices, an official statement said.

The Indian Council of World Affairs is holding a special event to mark Maitri Diwas today. A message from Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will be read out during the event, which is being participated by Bangladesh State Minister for Culture, K.M Khalid, Bangladesh High Commissioner Muhammad Imran, and Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla.