Manmohan Singh to hold talks with Sheikh Hasina today

New Delhi, Jan 11 (ANI): Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh will hold wide-ranging talks with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday to discuss the entire range of bilateral relations, particularly focusing on issues like security, terrorism, border-related aspects, connectivity, trade and investment.

India is viewing her maiden visit as a historic opportunity to build a new and forward-looking relationship, and hopes that its security concerns are addressed.

The two sides will sign five crucial treaties, including those on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, mutual transfer of convicted prisoners, on fight against international terrorism, organised crime and illegal drug trafficking.

Besides signing accords on power cooperation and a cultural exchange programme, India is set to announce a 500 million dollars line of credit to promote infrastructure development in Bangladesh and a decision to facilitate a rail transit link from Bangladesh to Nepal.

Other important items on the summit agenda include the sharing of river waters, the resolution of the maritime border dispute and the promotion of bilateral trade and connectivity.

The two countries are also expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on expanding power cooperation that will include building inter-grid connectivity. It will facilitate import and export of electricity amounting to over 900 million units per annum, depending on availability, need and price.

Hasina, who arrived in New Delhi on Sunday night was accompanied by her senior ministers and a large business delegation.

Minister of State for External Affairs Preneet Kaur and Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao welcomed Hasina at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, who is on a three-day visit to New Delhi. (ANI)