Bangladesh and India will continue to work together to realize the collective aspiration of their citizens, Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina wrote to Modi, thanking New Delhi for its assistance in evacuating Bangladeshi nationals from war-torn Ukraine. 

Under Operation Ganga, India evacuated 22,500 Indians and 140 foreign nationals from around 18 countries from Ukraine since Russia invaded Ukraine last month. Most foreign nationals evacuated by the Indian government were from neighboring countries, including Bangladesh and Nepal and at least one woman from Pakistan. 

In the letter dated 15 March 2022, Hasina wrote, "I write to express my sincere thanks to you and your government for extending support and assistance in rescuing and evacuating some Bangladeshi nationals along with the Indians who were stranded in Sumy Oblast, Ukraine".

Evacuating thousands of India, who were trapped in Ukraine’s Sumy, was the toughest part of the whole drive, as the region saw an extensive bombing campaign. India managed to evacuate its nationals after Prime Minister Modi intervened personally, holding talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Ukrainian leader. Several Bangladeshis were also evacuated from Sumy along with Indians.  

She further said the wholehearted cooperation that India has been extending in this regard is the "testament to the unique and enduring relationship" that the two countries have been enjoying over the years. 

(SAM)