As part of his week-long visit to India, the naval chief of Bangladesh Admiral M Shaheen Iqbal visited Mumbai and interacted with Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the two Admirals discussed various issues pertaining to enhancing and strengthening jointmanship, interoperability, training, anti-terrorism collaboration and overall bilateral co-operation as part of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations.
As reported by IndiaNarrative.com earlier this week, Admiral Shaheen Iqbal's visit to India comes at a time when New Delhi is looking at integrating Dhaka within the broader framework of its Act East Policy, with an eye on the Indo-Pacific region.
It is also significant as it coincides with the golden jubilee celebration of the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971. India and Bangladesh are bound by a common history, culture and language. The co-operation between the nations in the War of 1971 is still rejoiced with great pride and fondness by peoples of both nations.
Admiral Hari Kumar brought out during the exchange that India is proud to have contributed to the liberation of Bangladesh in 1971 and that as a nation, India has immense respect for the role played and sacrifices made by the proud people of Bangladesh in the war.
He also said that Indians are participating enthusiastically in many commemorative events of the golden jubilee of Bangladesh's liberation. The C-in-C assured the visiting Chief of the Naval Staff that all assistance required for the successful conduct of the International Fleet Review by Bangladesh in 2022 will be extended.
Iqbal, who is an alumni of the Anti Submarine Warfare (ASW) School in Kochi, was also highly appreciative of the training cooperation between the two navies and pointed out how personnel of the two navies often cross-train with each other in courses such as special operations, diving, aviation technology, etc.
On completion of the Mumbai visit, the Admiral proceeded to Defence Services Staff College, Wellington – his last stop before returning home on Friday – to witness training activities and interact with Commandant DSSC.
During the last quarter of 2021, conduct of talks by Bangladesh war veterans at Naval War College and Indian Naval Academy and participation of Indian armed forces contingent and band in 'Victory Day' celebrations in Bangladesh are also planned.
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