Pranab arrives to sign deals, strengthen ties.............

Indian external affairs minister Pranab Mukherjee landed in Dhaka Monday for a tightly scheduled daylong visit that includes signing of two trade deals and talks on "the entire gamut" of bilateral ties just a month into Sheikh Hasina's new administration.

"Allow me at the outset to convey warm greetings and congratulations to the people of Bangladesh for the successful conduct of a free, fair and peaceful election," Mukherjee said to reporters at the airport, soon after his plane touched down at around 10.30am.

"I hope to cover ... the entire gamut of our relations including security, connectivity, trade and investment and other important areas," he said of his short visit.

"We'll also be signing the agreements relating to bilateral trade and investment promotion to further strengthen the framework of investors for both countries."

The Indian foreign minister said he would meet with the PM, foreign minister and other leaders during the day.

Sheikh Hasina's cabinet gave clearance last week for signing two trade and economic deals with India.

A new agreement on mutual investment promotion and protection will give most favoured nation (MFN) status to each country.

The other will be a renewal of an old deal, originally signed in 1980, which includes a clause dealing with water, rail and road transit.

India has for long enjoyed water transport facility through the Bangladesh territory, but the part on road and rail transit has never been activated.