Bangladesh Navy Ship (BNS) Prottoy is in Mumbai on a two-day visit. The ship commanded by Captain Ahamed Amin Abdullah with a crew of 137 personnel is docked at Mumbai Port Trust.
Due to Covid-19 imposed restrictions, routine courtesy call-ons, social get togethers, exchange visits and other sports fixtures between the visitors and host naval personnel are being avoided.
However, this visit of BNS Prottoy to Mumbai is significant in the backdrop that the two countries are celebrating 50 years of Bangladesh independence.
To commemorate the occasion, for the first time, a marching contingent and military band from Bangladesh participated in India's Republic Day Parade.
Since the formation of Bangladesh, both India and Bangladesh have come a long way in nurturing strategic and defence relationships and these bonds are gradually growing in mutual trust and confidence.
Both countries are working on finalising a slew of projects that will be inaugurated during the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Bangladesh on March 26.
Indian High Commissioner to Dhaka Vikram Kumar Doraiswami said yesterday that Bangladesh is India's true and special friend and the friendship is the cornerstone of India's Foreign Policy.
"India never showed any 'big-brother' attitude towards Bangladesh. We will do our best to carry forward our commitment of strong relations with Bangladesh with 170 million people," said Doraiswami.
