Delhi keen to finance Teesta project, says Hasan Mahmud

Indian foreign secy meets PM

FE Team | Published: May 09, 2024 23:42:04

India has expressed interest to finance Bangladesh's Teesta project, Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud said on Thursday, reports UNB.
"You know, we have taken a big project on Teesta. India wants to finance this project. It will have to be implemented in line with our needs. We want to see our needs fulfilled," Hasan told reporters after his meeting with Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Earlier, the Indian Foreign Secretary had a meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at his office on Thursday morning.
Hasan made the remarks when asked whether they discussed the Teesta issue. "We have discussed the Teesta issue," the Foreign Minister said.
During the meeting, both sides discussed the issues of mutual interests underscoring the shared commitment to deepening cooperation across various sectors.
Foreign Minister Hasan raised the water sharing issue of the common rivers including that of Teesta and renewal of Ganges water sharing treaty.
He also stressed economic cooperation for the betterment of people of two countries. He also stressed easing the visa issuance process for further strengthening the people to people contact.
Regarding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visit to New Delhi, Hasan said the PM will definitely visit India.
"Elections are underway in India. New government will be formed after the election and then the date will be finalised for the visit," he said.
Asked whether the PM will go to India or China first, the Foreign Minister smiled and said Delhi is close to Bangladesh in terms of geographical distance.
Diplomatic sources indicate that PM Hasina's visit to India is planned for early July if not possible at the end of June, after the conclusion of the neighbouring country's election.