Indian external affairs secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla left Dhaka Wednesday paying a ‘significant’ visit to give bilateral relations a boost during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

“I have a very satisfactory visit, a very short visit,” Shringla said after his lunch meeting with Bangladesh foreign secretary Masud Bin Momen at the Pan Pacific Sonargoan Hotel.

The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted bilateral relations of different countries as the situation is not normal. “(In this aspect) we see this visit as a breakthrough,” Momen said after the meeting.

His visit is ‘significant’ as it came in the wake of reports that Dhaka has been cosying up with China and the bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh have come under some strains.

 There has been displeasure over “mischievous” media stories related to the ties between the neighbours.

But neither side disclosed about the visit before his arrival on Tuesday. There has been no prior announcement of his meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday night. And there has not been a post-meeting briefing from any sides.

It was Shringla’s first visit out of the country.

“The reason why I came is that the honorable Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) felt during Covid time there has not been much contact and we must continue to move forward our strong bilateral relations. I came primary to look at that matter,” Shringla said.

  During the visit, they discussed Covid-19 situation, post-pandemic economic recovery plan, and cooperation in different areas including joint commemoration of the ongoing Mujib year, among others.

 The foreign ministry said the Indian Foreign Secretary was on a brief visit to Bangladesh “to convey Prime Minister Modi’s message aiming at further strengthening the ties of friendship between the two countries.”

 The Bangladesh Foreign Secretary hosted a ‘Working Lunch‘ for his Indian counterpart and during the one and half hour long meeting held in “an exceptionally warm, frank and cordial environment”, both sides discussed the wide ranging areas of ongoing bilateral cooperation, with particular focus on ways to address issues arising out of the COVID -19 situation.

 The Indian Foreign Secretary reiterated that Bangladesh comes first for India, in Prime Minister Modi’s ‘neighbourhood first’ policy.

 Secretary Shringla expressed “deep gratitude” for the kind gesture of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to grant him an audience in spite of her not having met any foreign dignitaries since the start of the COVID pandemic.

 Both sides expressed satisfaction that even during this unusual situation created by the pandemic, the two countries have maintained a high level of engagement on the various areas of cooperation.

 Important developments have included conducting the first trial run for trans-shipment of Indian cargo through Bangladesh under the Agreement on the use of Chattogram and Mongla port as well as signing the second addendum to the PIWTT.

 Foreign Secretary Masud reiterated Bangladesh’s appreciation for the assistance of medicines and other medical items proactively provided by India for containing the pandemic.

 Handing over 10 locomotives by Indian Railways to Bangladesh Railways was also appreciated.

 Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen stated that Bangladesh is ready to collaborate in the development of COVID vaccine, including its trial, and looks forward to early affordable availability of the vaccine when it is ready.

 Foreign Secretary Shringla expressed India’s willingness to be in close contact with Bangladesh and other neighbours and highlighted the cost advantage that India enjoys due to its economies of scale in manufacturing.

 The Bangladesh side expressed appreciation to the Government of India for facilitating the evacuation of stranded Bangladeshi nationals from India to Bangladesh during the onset of the pandemic.

 In this context, Foreign Secretary Masud requested for urgent reopening of visa issuance from the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, particularly since many Bangladeshi patients need to visit India for availing critical and emergency medical treatment.

 Indian side was also requested to reopen travel through Benapole-Petrapole land port which has been halted by the West Bengal State Government in the wake of the pandemic.

 Foreign Secretary Masud appreciated India’s efforts to ease travel between both countries through the introduction of ‘air bubble’ flights, proposed by the Indian side.

 The Bangladesh Foreign Secretary requested Shringla to expedite the return of the Tablig members of Bangladesh who were impacted by the lockdown in Indi