Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Dhaka on Friday, using a new B777 aircraft for the first time on a foreign trip.
According to media reports, Modi, who is on a two-day Bangladesh visit, started the journey from New Delhi to Dhaka on a new custom-made VVIP aircraft.
The aircraft departed from Delhi around 8 am and landed at the Dhaka Airport around 10.30 am on Friday, media report quoted government officials as saying.
The new B777 aircraft has registration number VT-ALW.
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The aircraft was delivered by Boeing to the Indian government in October last year.
The aircraft has a call sign, AI1 or Air India One.
Another custom-made B777 aircraft, with registration number VT-ALV, was also delivered by the American aircraft giant to the Indian government in October last year.
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It has been reported that both the custom-made VVIP planes are to fly only President, Vice President and Prime Minister of the country.
This is the first foreign trip by Prime Minister Modi after lockdown and COVID19 pandemic.
Modi will attend a programme to be organised in Dhaka as part of the Golden Jubilee celebration of the victory of Bangladesh’s Liberation War in 1971.
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On March 26, Bangladesh has recalled three glorious chapters of its history – 50 years of the Liberation War of 1971; the birth centenary of the founder of Bangladesh, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and 50 years of India-Bangladesh bonding.
On the 50th Independence Day of Bangladesh, PM Narendra Modi also paid tributes at the National Martyr’s Memorial in Savar.
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“The courage of those who took part in the Liberation War of Bangladesh motivates many,” the PMO tweeted.
During his Bangladesh visit, Modi will participate in a wide range of programmes aimed at furthering cooperation with friendly neighbour, Bangladesh.