‘Dhaka, Delhi for mutually acceptable water sharing formula’

Dhaka, Aug 20 – Terming the Bangladesh-India partnership as ‘role model’ for South Asia and for the world, visiting Indian external affairs minister Dr. S. Jaishankar yesterday said both the counties are looking forward to making progress to find mutually acceptable formulas to share water from 54 shared rivers.Asked about water sharing of the trans-boundary river Teesta, he said, “We have a position. We are all aware of it. We have a commitment on that position and there is no change in that regard.”
Jaishankar came up with the statement at a joint press briefing after holding a talk with Bangladesh foreign minister AK Abdul Momen at the State Guest House Jamuna in the capital.
Terming the relationship between the two countries ‘productive’, Indian external affairs minister said, “Water resources is an important subject. We look forward to making progress to find mutually acceptable formulas to share water from our 54 shared rivers. We are ready to make a start wherever possible.”
Regarding the Rohingya people, he said, “We understand the issue of the displaced persons from Myanmar. We agreed the speedy and sustainable return of displaced persons which is the national interest of all three countries – Bangladesh, Myanmar and India.”
“We reaffirmed our readiness to provide more assistance to the displaced persons in Bangladesh and to improve social, economic condition in Rakhine State. You are all aware we have handed over 250 houses last month in that context.”
Asked about the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam which is being a concern for Bangladesh as if it is implemented many of the people will be left out from the list and sent to Bangladesh, he said, “This is an internal matter for India.”
Regarding the purpose of the visit, he said, “This is my first visit to Bangladesh as external affairs minister. And the purpose of this visit is to affirm what is being a very strong partnership as well as to prepare for your prime minister’s visit to India and to signal publicly the importance that we attach to the relationship.”
“We see India-Bangladesh relationship is very much a model. Our ties have actually transcended the strategic partnership. And we are honoured to be a leading development partner of Bangladesh. We would like to offer all possible support to realise Bangladesh’s development agenda. This is India’s interest as well,” he added.
“We believe, this is today the ‘golden age’ in India-Bangladesh ties and that is thanks to the visions and statesmanship of prime minister Norendra Modi and prime minister Sheikh Hasina,” he continued.
Jasishankar visited Bangladesh several times as Indian foreign secretary but this time he came here as external affairs minister of India to make sure the exemplary relationship between the two countries.
Regarding the security issues, he said, “This improved partnership against crime, extremism and terrorist groups is a direct benefit of the people of both countries.”
In terms of connectivity, he said, “The increased connectivity in air, sea, waterways, surface transports generates growth and income for both sides. We would like to step up this partnership and realise all the potentials of connectivity.”
“Energy has been another very important aspect of our partnership. We have steps for each other’s success. We have many energy sharing projects which we are discussing, including public and private sector partnership and we hope to take those forward,” he added.
About trade, he said, “We are ready to know the next stage of our economic partnership as Bangladesh’s economy develops and matures and we will make progress at a pace which is comfortable for Bangladesh.”
About the People to people ties, he said, “Our largest consular operations in the world today are in Bangladesh. And we are proud of that. We want to make travel as seamless as possible for a Bangladeshi friend to visit us.”
“We have a very important shared history. We look forward to sharing your celebration of the centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s birth and the 50th anniversary of the liberation of Bangladesh,” he continued.
Reaffirming the partnership with Bangladesh, he said, “The government of Modi is determined to ensure that this partnership is truly role model in South Asia and for the world.”
Meanwhile, AK Abdul Momen said, “We have a very warm meeting. We have discussed on a number of issues. We have roughly reached to a consensus to these issues.”
“We are happy and delighted for holding a good meeting and looking forward for a better days. Indian foreign minister said India wants to take the relationship between the two countries to a higher height. We are satisfied with discussion we had,” he added.
Earlier, Jasishankar paid homage to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by placing floral wreaths at the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum in the capital.
When he reached there in the morning Bangladesh State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam welcomed him. Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Riva Ganguly Das was present on the occasion.
Jaishankar visited the museum and signed the visitor’s book as well. He will leave Dhaka for Katmandu on Wednesday after ending his three-day maiden visit to Bangladesh. – Staff Reporter