New Delhi, Dec 17: Bangladesh is a “key pillar” of India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday during a summit with his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina, who called India a “true friend”, as the two sides inked seven pacts to further broadbase cooperation in varied sectors, and restored a cross-border rail link, snapped during the 1965 India-Paksitan war.
During the summit, held virtually, the two leaders deliberated on a range of issues including, threat of terrorism, challenges posed by coronavirus pandemic, management of Indo-Bangla border, regional connectivity, ways to boost trade and energy ties as well as matters relating to the displaced people from the Rakhine State of Myanmar.
“It has been a challenging year due to the epidemic. But it is a matter of satisfaction that India and Bangladesh had good cooperation in this difficult time. We are also having good cooperation in the field of vaccines. We will also take special care of your needs in this regard,” Modi told Hasina.
Describing India as a “true friend”, Hasina said both countries could play a significant role in the global and regional value chains by further integrating their economies as well as boosting connectivity.
Hasina also commended the way India confronted the coronavirus crisis and hoped that it would contribute significantly in recovery of the global economy that has been severely hit by the pandemic.
Ways to boost regional connectivity was a key focus area of the summit, and both Modi and Hasina agreed to an early operationalisation of the BBIN motor vehicles agreement with a provision for Bhutan to join at a later date.
Bhutan has been dillydallying on the BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal) pact that provides hassle-free movement of people and goods among the four countries.
Recognising that terrorism remains a threat to global peace and security, the two Prime Ministers reiterated their strong commitment to eliminate it in all its forms and manifestations, a joint statement issued after the talks said.
The two leaders also underscored the need for an early conclusion of a framework of interim agreement on water sharing of six rivers — Manu, Muhuri, Khowai, Gumti, Dharla and Dudhkumar, and issued direction to expeditiously conclude a joint study on having a bilateral Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), the statement said.
Hasina highlighted the need for early signing of an interim agreement for sharing of the Teesta waters as agreed by both the governments in 2011 to which Modi reiterated India’s commitment and continued efforts on it.
In another significant move, the leaders agreed to facilitate completion of border fencing at all pending sectors at the earliest beginning from the frontier along Tripura, besides stressing on full implementation of the ongoing coordinated border management plan.
The two Prime Ministers also jointly inaugurated a Bangabandhu-Bapu digital exhibition on the life and legacies of the two iconic leaders –Bangladesh’s founder Mujibur Rahman and Mahatma Gandhi.
In the talks, Hasina expressed keen interest on the India Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway project and sought support of New Delhi for enabling Bangladesh to connect with the project.
The inauguration of the Chilahati-Haldibari rail link is expected to enhance connectivity to Assam and West Bengal from Bangladesh. (PTI)
