Another golden era in friendship

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said his counterpart Sheikh Hasina's visit to Delhi marked another golden era in the friendship between two people and nations, which was likely to see a quick solution to the long-standing Teesta water sharing issue.

“I firmly believe that it is only my government and Excellency Sheikh Hasina, your government, that can and will find an early solution to Teesta water sharing,” he said in a press statement issued yesterday.

Modi also lauded Hasina's leadership in strengthening the ties between the neighbouring nations and in fighting terrorism.

“The extraordinary transformation in our relationship and achievements of our partnership are a clear recognition of your strong and decisive leadership,” Modi said, adding that Hasina had been leading Bangladesh on a trajectory of high growth and development.

“We in India rejoice in our ties with Bangladesh. Ties that have been forged in blood and generations of kin-ship. Ties that seek a better and secure future for our people.”

India and Bangladesh share one of the longest land boundaries. During the Indian PM's visit to Dhaka in June 2015, he signed the Land Boundary Agreement and its implementation is now underway.

“Along our shared land boundaries are our shared rivers. They sustain our peoples and their livelihoods. And, the one that has attracted the greatest attention is the Teesta. This is important for India, for Bangladesh and for India-Bangladesh relationship,” Modi said.

“I am very happy that the chief minister of West Bengal is my honoured guest today [yesterday]. I know that her feelings for Bangladesh are as warm as my own. I assure you and the people of Bangladesh of our commitment and continuing efforts.”

The partnership between the two countries brought prosperity to their citizens. It also worked to protect them from forces of radicalism and extremism.

“We have the greatest admiration for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's firm resolve in dealing with terrorism. Her government's 'zero-tolerance' policy towards terrorism is an inspiration for all of us,” said Modi, pledging that peace, security and development of the two nations would be at the centre of their engagement. 

Referring to the defence agreement, he said the leaders had taken a long-overdue step by signing an agreement on close cooperation between their armed forces, and announced a $500 million line of credit to support Bangladesh's defence-related procurement.

In implementing this credit, he said India would be guided by Bangladesh's needs and priorities.

“We specifically looked at charting new avenues and tapping fresh opportunities in advancing our relationship. We want to build cooperation in new areas, especially some high-technology areas that have a deeper connection with the youth in both our societies.”

The areas, in which the two nations will be co-operating each other, include electronics, information technology, cyber security, space exploration and civil nuclear energy, according to the press statement.  

“We are a long-standing and trusted development partner of Bangladesh. India and Bangladesh are also determined that the fruits of our cooperation must benefit our people,” Modi said.