After holding comprehensive talks with his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a new concessional Line of Credit of 4.5 billion dollars for the neighbouring country and an additional assistance of 500 million dollars to help its military procurement. The two countries also agreed to confront challenges of terrorism with deeper security and defence cooperation.
In his joint media statement, Mr.Modi said, spread of radicalization and extremism poses grave threat to India, Bangladesh and the entire region. He also expressed greatest admiration for Sheikh Hasina’s ‘zero-tolerance’ policy to deal with terrorism. He said, Bus and Train Link Between Kolkata and Khulna will mark a new era. Prime Minister Modi also called for diversifying commercial relations between the two neighbours.
Describing energy security as an important dimension of the bilateral partnership, Mr Modi announced that India will partner Bangladesh in goal of Power for all by 2021. Mr. Modi said, India is looking forward for early implementation of the Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal, BBIN, Motor Vehicles Agreement. He said, this would usher in a new era of sub-regional integration.
On Teesta river water sharing issue, Mr Modi expressed firm belief that only the present governments of the two countries can and will find an early solution to Teesta water sharing. He said, Teesta is important for India- Bangaldesh relationship and expressed hope that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee will eventually support it.
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, her country is committed to zero tolerance policy to fight terrorism and promised to take all steps to ensure peace and security along Indo-Bangla border. She said, greater connectivity is vital for the development of two countries.
The two leaders also inaugurated two rail and a road connectivity projects via video conference. They released Hindi translation of Bangabandhu’s ‘The Unfinished Memoirs’. Commemorating an extraordinary figure and honouring India Bangladesh friendship, the leaders dedicated a road in Delhi to memory of Bangabandhu, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Earlier, in the day, the Bangladesh Prime Minster was accorded ceremonial reception at the forecourts of Rashtrapati Bhawan this morning. She also visited Rajghat to pay floral tributes to Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi.
