Delhi congratulates Dhaka for ‘successful elections’

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated Awami League President Sheikh Hasina on her landslide victory in the 11th general election.

Modi placed a telephone call to Prime Minister Hasina on Monday morning to commend her on her victory, according to a press release posted on the website of the Indian External Affairs Ministry.    

“We welcome the successful completion of the parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. India warmly congratulates the people of Bangladesh for reaffirming their faith in democracy, development, and the vision of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman,” read the press release.The document also stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his confidence that the partnership between India and Bangladesh will continue to flourish under Sheikh Hasina’s far-sighted leadership.”

“[Modi] also reiterated the priority India attaches to Bangladesh as a neighbour, a close partner for regional development, security and cooperation, and a central pillar in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy,” it read.

“Sheikh Hasina thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for being the first leader to call her to convey congratulations,” wrote the press release, adding: “She also thanked India for its consistent and generous support which has benefited Bangladesh’s development, and appreciated [Modi’s] reiteration of this commitment,” it read.

The document also stated that the conversation was cordial, and fully reflected the close and traditionally friendly relations between India and Bangladesh.