Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi will have a broader bilateral meeting in New Delhi next month, though there is a possibility of a courtesy meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa this week. 

“….If the meeting happens, this is not the venue to discuss bilateral relations with Bangladesh," said the official spokesperson at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, Arindam Bagchi.

He made the remarks when a reporter wanted to know whether there would be any meeting on the sidelines between Modi and Hasina in Johannesburg.

BRICS Summit: Hasina, Modi likely to hold meeting on the sidelines

At the same briefing, Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said there are going to be a large number of leaders present there.

“We also understand that the Prime Minister of Bangladesh may also be there. That's what we have been informed by the host country. But the schedule of the Prime Minister's (Modi) bilateral meetings on the sidelines of BRICS is still evolving,” he said.

Asked about PM Hasina’s meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said Bangladesh sought a courtesy meeting with PM Modi in Johannesburg as both the prime ministers are likely to have a broader bilateral meeting on the sidelines of G20 in September in New Delhi.

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"Time is very limited in Johannesburg. And the governments confirm things at the last minute," said the Foreign Minister.

The 18th G20 Heads of State and Government Summit in New Delhi on September 9-10 will be a culmination of all the G20 processes and meetings held throughout the year among ministers, senior officials, and civil societies.

A G20 Leaders’ Declaration will be adopted at the conclusion of the New Delhi Summit, stating the leaders’ commitment to the priorities discussed and agreed upon during the respective ministerial and working group meetings.

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