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| Edited By: DNA Web Team |Source: DNA webdesk |Updated: Apr 08, 2017, 10:58 PM IST
In a bid to give boost to their ties, India and Bangladesh on Saturday inked 22 pacts in strategic areas of defence and civil nuclear cooperation after "productive" talks between their prime ministers.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held extensive discussions with his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina on ways to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries. He also announced a new line of concessional credit of US $4.5 billion for the implementation of projects in Bangladesh.
Announcing an additional line of credit of US $500 million to Bangladesh for military supplies, Modi said it will be driven by the requirement of that country. However, much-delayed pact on the Teesta water sharing remained elusive for the two sides. Admitting that the pact was "important" for India-Bangladesh ties, Modi assured India's commitment to the issue. He said an "early solution can and will be found" to the Teesta water sharing issue. On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a special gesture, drove to the Delhi airport to receive his counterpart. Train services, involving West Bengal and Bangladesh and bus service connecting Kolkata and Dhaka was also launched via video conference.
(With agency inputs)
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee met Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and explained the difficulties in sharing the Teesta river water with the neighbouring country. Instead, she suggested, water of other small rivers which also flow into Bangladesh can be shared. Banerjee, who had earlier met Hasina at Hyderabad House, met her for the second time at Rashtrapati Bhavan in the evening.
She told Hasina that there was not adequate water in the Teesta river which can be shared with Bangladesh, according to a close aide of Banerjee. She stressed upon the fact that West Bengal needs water for irrigation and drinking purposes and pointed out that during the summer Teesta becomes almost becomes dry. Acknowledging the need of Bangladesh for water, Banerjee said water of other rivers which are also flowing into across the border can be shared. She suggested a survey of these rivers to decide on the issue. Banerjee also invited Hasina to visit Kolkata.
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina meets Vice President Hamid Ansari, in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/vyO9XBjjHq
— ANI (@ANI_news) April 8, 2017
Lest we forget. PM @narendramodi and PM Sheikh Hasina with the families of the martyrs at the conclusion of Sommanona Ceremony pic.twitter.com/maDMOhrvxt
— Gopal Baglay (@MEAIndia) April 8, 2017
Foreign Secy S Jaishankar is now addressing the press.
He says, " In may ways,this is an exceptional relationship...Word that we have used in jt statement is 'fraternal friendship".
Jaishankar says that process of enabling medical visas for Bangladeshis has been made much smoother. The line of credit given to Bangladesh will be used for upgradation of payra, chittagong, mongla ports, airport, road and rail links.
During his speech, PM Modi took a dig at Pakistan. He said:
“Few nations in South Asia believe in terrorism. India is a victim of terror ideology. Contrary to the ideology of development followed by India and Bangladesh, there is one country in south Asia whose ideology and policies promote terrorism. This (country's) thinking is based on violence and terrorism. The makers of such ideology believe more in terrorism than in humanity.”
Hasina says she is honoured to be part of a unique program to give respect to martyrdom of Indian soldiers. Hasina says Bangladesh will always remember the contribution of Indian soldiers.
She says Bangladesh freedom award was conveyed to Indira Gandhi. History of Bangladesh written by blood of Indian soldiers along with that of Bangladeshi freedom fighters, says Hasina.
She says both countries should work together for share peace and prosperity. She ends her short speech saying, " Long live Bangladesh-India friendship'.
PM Modi gives strong message.
Aisi soch jiski neeti nirmataon ko manavvaad se bada aatankvaad lagta hai,vikas se bada vinaash lagta hai,srijan se bada sanhar lagta hai:PM pic.twitter.com/Gq51zYzteI
— ANI (@ANI_news) April 8, 2017
WATCH Live: PM Modi & Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina at Sommanona Ceremony to honour Indian soldiers martyred in 1971 … https://t.co/0xp4RhMHe9
— ANI (@ANI_news) April 8, 2017
Sheikh Hasina will be speaking shortly.
PM Modi says that India's motto of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas is not restricted for the countrymen only. They are eager to help other countries also.
He indirectly takes dig at Pakistan indirectly, saying some countries are propagating terror and impending developmental work done in the area. Modi says that other countries need to stop promoting terrorism. Modi hails Bangladesh saying the birth of the nation was a tale of limitless sacrifice. Modi announces additional Rs 10,000 for family of martyrs of 1971 war.
Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina & PM Modi honour kin of Indian soldiers who lost their life in action in 1971 war at Sommanona Ceremony in Delhi pic.twitter.com/O2qAKFYB9j
— ANI (@ANI_news) April 8, 2017
PM Modi is speaking currently
WATCH Live: PM Modi & Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina at Sommanona Ceremony to honour Indian soldiers martyred in 1971 … https://t.co/0xp4RhMHe9
— ANI (@ANI_news) April 8, 2017
Delhi: PM Modi & PM Hasina with then Major Ashok Tara & his wife, Tara rescued Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's family from imprisonment in 1971. pic.twitter.com/ie2lhtLcpP
— ANI (@ANI_news) April 8, 2017
PM Modi addresses media during joint session with Bangladesh PM
# Held 'productive' talks on wide-ranging issues including on civil nuclear cooperation.
# We want to build co-operation in new area. Especially in high technology.
# Your decision to honour our Indian soldiers who laid their lives in 1971 has deeply touched our people.
# India is a long-standing and trusted development partner of Bangladesh and is determined that fruits of cooperation benefit our people.
# Happy to announce new concessional line of credit of $4.5 billion for implementation of projects in priority sectors in Bangladesh
# PM Modi expresses firm belief that only his government and government of Sheikh Hasina can and will find an early solution to Teesta Water Sharing.
# PM announces India to partner Bangladesh in goal of Power for all by 2021. 60 MW added to 600 MW supply from India, commitment of 500 MW more
# PM Modi expresses greatest admiration for Sheikh Hasina’s ‘zero-tolerance’ policy to deal w terrorism.
# Spread of radicalistion and extremism poses grave threat to India, Bangladesh & entire region
# Peace, security & development central to engagement.
# PM announces agreement on armed forces cooperation & LoC of $ 500 million for Bangladesh's defence procurement.
Building the ties that bind, one step at a time. The two leaders inaugurate two rail and a road connectivity project via video conference.
The two leaders witness exchange of 4 agreements/MoUs out of 22 signed in a wide range of bilateral relation.
Shaping the future of bilateral ties. PM Modi and PM Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh lead delegation level talks.
At Benapole Station, staff ready For Khulna Kolkata Express Inauguration by PM Modi & Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina
Sheikh Hasina pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gets ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi.
Will hold talks with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, during which we will discuss ways to further deepen ties between India & Bangladesh.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 8, 2017
At 3:30 PM today, PM Sheikh Hasina & I will join a programme to honour Indian soldiers martyred in the 1971 war, at the Manekshaw Centre.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 8, 2017
