Pranab for early implementation of LBA, Teesta treaty

Some Indian envoys say Indian President Pranab Mukherjee has strongly pitched for an early implementation of the land boundary agreement with Bangladesh and a quick resolution of the Teesta water sharing issue, reports bdnews24.com.

Mukherjee addressed Indian envoys from all over the world, who had gathered in Delhi on Sunday for a comprehensive briefing on their role by the Modi administration.

The Indian president told the envoys: "We must push our agenda of peace building specially in the neighbourhood. India's relation with her neighbours is important to pitch her claim to global leadership."

In the course of outlining his policy priorities, Mukherjee referred to Bangladesh as India's close friend and said it was important for Delhi to keep its commitments.

The sooner the land boundary and Teesta issues are resolved, the better it is for our bilateral relations. This is top priority for us both, an envoy who heard Mukherjee speak told bdnews24.com.

Mukherjee seemed to support back channel efforts to start a dialogue with Pakistan and take forward the process of resolving the border dispute with China.

He seemed to prioritise those efforts, said another envoy.

Mukherjee is a strong advocate of carrying India-Bangladesh relations to new heights.

Indian external affairs ministry sources say the president plays an active role in keeping track of developments that might impact on relations between the two countries.

Bangladesh was the first country he visited after becoming India's first Bengali president.