Dhaka, Delhi pledge to work closely in multiple strata

Bangladesh and India issued a joint declaration on Sunday with a renewed pledge to work closely in elevating regional and sub-regional cooperation and in the UN and other multilateral organisations, including WTO, for benefit of the peoples in the region, reports UNB.
According to the declaration, Indian Prime Minister Modi appreciated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her support to innovative ideas for enhancing sub-regional cooperation and connectivity and her commitment to the betterment of bilateral ties with India.
Indian External Affairs Secretary Subrahmanyam Jaishankar read out the joint declaration at a press conference at Hotel Sonargaon in the city in the afternoon prior to departure of Narendra Modi concluding his two-day state visit to Bangladesh.
Jaishankar said that the two premiers during their official talks reaffirmed their unequivocal and uncompromising position against extremism and terrorism in all forms and manifestations, as well as their commitment to cooperate with each other by sharing information about groups and persons indulging in terrorism.
"They reiterated their commitment that their respective territories would not be allowed to be used for any activity inimical to the others," he added.
Jaishankar said the two prime ministers also noted that India and Bangladesh entered a new phase in bilateral relations with a pragmatic, mature and practical approach based on sovereignty, equality, friendship, trust and understanding for the mutual benefit of their peoples and collective prosperity of the region.
He said when the Teesta issue came up for discussion during the meeting of the two prime ministers, Modi conveyed Sheikh Hasina that deliberations were underway involving all stakeholders with regard to conclusion of the interim agreements on sharing of waters of the Teesta and Feni rivers as soon as possible.
The two prime ministers noted that discussions on various aspects relating to sharing of waters of the Manu, Muhuri, Khowai, Gumti, Dharla and Dudhkumar rivers were taking place at technical level meeting and asked the officials concerned to expedite the process to conclude the sharing arrangements at the earliest.
"The two prime ministers recalled Article-2 of the Framework Agreement on Cooperation for Development of 2011 and reiterated their commitment to address the issue of water resources management of common rivers, including water sharing, in a holistic manner through common basin management," he added.
Jaishankar, however, said that Modi reiterated his commitment that India would not take any unilateral decision on the Himalayan component of their River Interlinking Project which may affect Bangladesh.
In this connection, he told Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina that the Tipaimukh Hydroelectric Power Project was not likely to be taken forward in its present form due to statutory requirements on the Indian side and that "India would not take any unilateral decision on this matter that may adversely impact Bangladesh."
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was given a hearty send-off as he left Dhaka for home on Sunday night after wrapping up his two-day state visit to Bangladesh.
A special Indian Air Force jet named “Rajdoot” carrying Narendra Modi and members of his entourage departed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in the city at 8.55 pm.