NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladesh counterpart Tarique Rahman indulged in some Eid diplomacy this week, with Rahman expressing hope in a letter to Modi on Friday that this blessed occasion would further strengthen the longstanding bonds of friendship and people-to-people ties between the two countries.Rahman told Modi that Eid-ul-Fitr is a cherished occasion that reminds all of the enduring values of compassion, solidarity, and harmony. “It unites communities in a spirit of celebration, sharing, and generosity. I join Your Excellency in wishing that this blessed occasion will bring peace. prosperity, and happiness to our peoples and to communities across the world,” said Rahman. The letter followed Modi’s greetings to Rahman and the people of Bangladesh on Eid.Rahman had earlier written to Modi outlining his vision for the India-Bangladesh relationship and indicating that Dhaka is ready to move forward without being inhibited by the past.Rahman, who was voted to office with a landslide majority, made three important points in that letter dated Feb 26. First, underlining the “historic and long-standing” ties between the two countries, Rahman said Bangladesh attached high importance to its ties with India shaped by shared history, culture and geography. According to Rahman, the people of India and Bangladesh share considerable commonality and enjoy deep-rooted ties.Second, as Rahman said, is the need for both countries to address issues in ways that would result in gains for the common people. He said in the letter that by doing this there’s a lot both countries can accomplish in terms of their shared interests. Rahman said Dhaka looked forward to advancing ties based on dignity, equality, mutual trust and respect, and also “benefit-sharing”.Third, and in a more personal outreach to Modi, Rahman said in his letter, which was delivered within weeks of his oath-taking, that he’s mindful of the Indian PM’s vision for Viksit Bharat 2047. Rahman said the leaders can – and need to – reinvigorate cooperative engagements to secure peace, harmony, stability and prosperity “for all people in the longest time”. The mention of Viksit Bharat is significant as the Indian govt turns that vision into a core foreign policy theme with initiatives aimed at strengthening development partnerships with friendly countries, in line with India’s strategic interests.
