Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi phoned his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday and discussed the ongoing fight against coronavirus.
Modi also conveyed greetings to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the people of Bangladesh on the occasion of the Holy month of Ramadan, the Indian foreign ministry said.
The two leaders discussed the regional situation in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and briefed each other about the steps being taken to mitigate its effects in the respective country.
Both leaders expressed happiness at the progress made in implementing the special arrangements agreed on 15 March between the leaders of the SAARC countries.
Modi thanked Hasina for contribution of $1.5 million towards SAARC COVID-19 Emergency Fund.
Hasina thanked Modi for taking lead in coordinating efforts to combat COVID-19 in the region and for supplying aid to Bangladesh, both in terms of medical supplies and capacity building.
Both the leaders expressed satisfaction at continuation of supply of essential items across the border through road, rail, inland waterways and air. Modi, recalling the shared bonds of history, culture, language and fraternal ties, expressed satisfaction at the excellent state of bilateral relations, and ensured India’s readiness to help Bangladesh in containing the spread of COVID-19 and in mitigating the health and economic impact of the pandemic.
He conveyed his best wishes for the good health and well-being of Sheikh Hasina and all the friendly people of Bangladesh, in this historic Mujib Barsho.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Hasina Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim said that the conversation lasted for 12-minute.
Both the leaders mentioned that their governments have taken initiatives to increase food production to face the possible food crisis due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“If needed we’ll work together to this end,”, he said quoting the two premiers.
