Ties bitter, but Bangladesh mango diplomacy still sweet enough

DHAKA: Bangladesh has sent a consignment of the famed Haribhanga mangoes for PM Narendra Modi as it continues its "mango diplomacy", started by former PM Sheikh Hasina , to serve as a sweet symbol of goodwill between Dhaka and New Delhi despite phases of tension between them following her government's fall last year.

Chief adviser Muhammad Yunus has sent 1,000 kg of Haribhanga mangoes to PM Modi as a gesture of friendship between the two neighbours. The consignment is scheduled to reach New Delhi on Monday, officials said.

The Yunus-led interim government in Dhaka has also sent consignments to states bordering Bangladesh. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee and Tripura CM Manik Saha are among the recipients.

Bangladesh has a long-standing tradition of sending seasonal gifts, particularly mangoes, to the Indian PM and state leaders to reinforce cultural ties and regional diplomacy.