Wed Dec 31 09:27:34 UTC 2025: News Article Summary:
Headline: India Mourns Passing of Bangladesh’s Khaleda Zia, Pledges Continued Partnership
NEW DELHI, January 1, 2026 – India is expressing condolences and reaffirming its commitment to strong ties with Bangladesh following the death of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar personally delivered a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman in Dhaka, emphasizing Zia’s enduring vision and its impact on India-Bangladesh relations.
Jaishankar’s visit marks the first since the interim government took over in Bangladesh in August 2024 after the student-people uprising that deposed Sheikh Hasina. It also marks the first formal interaction of an Indian Minister with Mr. Rahman since his return from self-exile.
The funeral drew dignitaries from across South Asia, including ministers from Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. Pakistan was represented by the Speaker of its National Assembly.
Modi, in his letter, stated that Zia’s “vision and legacy will endure,” and that her ideals will “serve as a guiding light to ensure a new beginning and the enrichment of the deep and historic partnership between India and Bangladesh.”
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