By NNN-PTI,
Dhaka : India and Bangladesh will discuss ways to cooperate in combating terrorism and may ink a transit deal and a trade pact as External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee arrives here today in the first visit by a top Indian leader after the new Sheikh Hasina government came to power.
The two sides are also expected to discuss Bangladesh’s proposal for setting up of a joint anti-terror mechanism to fight the menace.
During his whirlwind tour, Mukherjee “will hold talks with Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dipu Moni, Home Minister Sahara Khatun and call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina,” an Indian High Commission spokesman told PTI here.
Security issues, particularly India’s concerns over the soil of Bangladesh being used by terrorists, will be high on the agenda during Mukherjee’s visit.
“The bilateral talks are also likely to focus on Dhaka’s proposal for formation of a South Asian anti-terrorism task force,” a Foreign Ministry official said here.
Both the Foreign Ministry and the Indian High Commission earlier described it as a “goodwill” visit after the Awami League returned to power last month.