BD, India set ‘model’ of cooperation, Jaishankar tells PM

Dhaka – Indian External Affairs Secretary Dr S Jaishankar on Wednesday said Bangladesh and India have set a ‘model’ in bilateral cooperation, which is being highly lauded in India, unb news agency reported.
“The model is being highly appreciated in India,” he said during a meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official residence Ganobhaban in the evening.After the meeting, PM’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters.
While talking about Indian commitments made during its Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bangladesh in June last, the Indian foreign secretary said eight pledges out 14 have already been fulfilled.
“We’ve been able to make a good progress as eight commitments have already been fulfilled in nearly one year and we’re vigorously working to meet other pledges,” he said.
Jaishankar pointed out that there has also been a good progress in the power and LNG/LPG sectors cooperation by the two countries.
The Indian foreign secretary said a number of Indian companies have shown interest to set up a deep seaport in Bangladesh.
In this connection, the Prime Minister said the deep seaport could be established through a consortium.
Jaishankar thanked the Bangladesh government for its support to India in its initiatives for launching a Saarc Satellite.
Sheikh Hasina expressed satisfaction over the progress in fulfilling the pledges made during the historic visit of Narendra Modi to Dhaka.
“The bilateral ties between the two neighbouring countries reached a new height following the visit of Narendra Modi…we’re in fact enjoying the best of relations,” she said.
Referring to the ratification of the Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) by Indian Parliament, Hasina thanked the Indian government, particularly members of Lok Shabha and Rajiya Shabha for passing the bill unanimously.
“It has set an example for others,” she commented.
Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Syed Moazzem Ali, PM’s Principal Secretary Md Abul Kalam Azad, Foreign Secretary M Shahidul Haque and Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Harsha Bardhan Shringla and Deputy High Commissioner Dr Adarsh Swaika were present on the occasion.