NEW DELHI. India has welcomed the successful completion of parliamentary elections in Bangladesh.

“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,” Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement in New Delhi on December 31.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has telephoned his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina to convey his heartiest congratulations on the decisive results of the election, the statement added.

He expressed confidence that the partnership between India and Bangladesh will continue to flourish under her far-sighted leadership. The PM 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.

Hasina thanked Prime Minister for being the first leader to call her to convey congratulations. She also thanked India for their consistent and generous support which has benefited Bangladesh’s development, and appreciated PM’s reiteration of this commitment.

The conversation was very cordial, fully reflecting the close and traditionally friendly relations between India and Bangladesh, the MEA statement noted.