BD first among India’s all neighbours: Sushma

She assures resolving all issues transparently

October 24, 2017 00:00:00

Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said on Monday Bangladesh gets priority among all India's neighbours as per its neighbourhood policy, reports UNB.

"Our foreign policy follows neighbourhood first approach. Parsi pehele, lekin Bangladesh sabse pehele (Among all neighbours [of India] Bangladesh comes first)," she said reflecting India's growing importance to Bangladesh.

Calling her Bangladesh counterpart AH Mahmood Ali as his 'brother and Dada', Sushma assured Bangladesh of resolving all the issues transparently and sincerely.

She referred to the peaceful settlement of disputes over Maritime Boundary and Land Boundary Agreement with Bangladesh in the past.

Sushma was addressing a programme marking the inauguration of the new Chancery Complex of the Indian High Commission and 15 development projects in Bangladesh funded by the government of India at a cost of Tk 716.4 million.

On Sunday, Indian External Affairs Minister also assured Bangladesh of resolving all the pending issues as Bangladesh has long been waiting to see the signing of Teesta water sharing deal. "We're aware of the outstanding issues. We assure you we're working to resolve them."

Sushma said the prime ministers of the two countries laid a strong foundation of cooperation between the two countries which is expanding day by day.

"I'm confident we would be able to take the relations to greater heights in the times to come," said the External Affairs Minister.

Sushma said the relationship between Bangladesh and India is moving ahead in a faster pace.

In the beginning, Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka Harsh Vardhan Shringla described the achievements of the Indian High Commission in Dhaka including easy visa process and development projects.

Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali, Health Minister Mohammed Nasim, Environment and Forests Minister Anwar Hossain Manju, Prime Minister's Political Affairs Adviser HT Imam and Foreign Secretary M Shahidul Haque were also present on the occasion.

A cultural programme showcasing the deep Bangladesh India relationship was also held before the Indian External Affairs Minister delivers her speech.

The Indian Minister left the city for Delhi by a special flight at 1:13pm wrapping up her less than 24 hours official visit.