India recognising Bangladesh in 71: Both countries to celebrate the day in 18 countries on Dec 6

Bangladesh and India will jointly commemorate "Maitri Divas" in 18 countries on December 6, the day India recognised Bangladesh in 1971.

The countries where the joint commemoration will be held -- besides India and Bangladesh -- are the United States, Belgium, Canada, Egypt, Indonesia, Russia, Qatar, Singapore, United Kingdom, Australia, France, Japan, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and Switzerland, reports our New Delhi correspondent.

In New Delhi, the Indian government's official think-tank, the Indian Council of World Affairs, is scheduled to organise a special event on December 6, which is expected to see participation from India and Bangladesh, India's external affairs ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi told the weekly media briefing.

"I want to emphasise that the holding of 'Maitri Divas' is a reflection of the deep and abiding friendship between the people of India and Bangladesh that have been forged in blood and shared sacrifices," he said.

It may be recalled that during the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Bangladesh in March this year to attend the Independence Day of Bangladesh, it was decided to commemorate December 6 as "Maitri Divas".

India was one of the first countries to establish bilateral diplomatic ties with Bangladesh, Bagchi said.