Fair solution to Teesta, Feni rivers issues assured

Noting that rivers should nurture relationship not become a source of discord, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday assured that India will be able to settle the Teesta and Feni rivers’ water-sharing issues with the help of its West Bengal state. “I’m confident that with the support of state governments in India, we can reach a fair solution on Teesta and Feni rivers [issues],” he said while making his statement after a meeting with his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina at the Prime Minister’s Office in Dhaka. On connectivity, Modi said connectivity by road, rail, rivers, sea, transmission lines, petroleum pipelines and digital links will increase. “Today, we’ve unveiled some of the pathways to this future.”

On trade imbalance, Modi said he is conscious of the huge trade imbalance, despite duty free and quota free access to Bangladesh in India on all but 25 items. “Yet, I’ve assured the Prime Minister (Hasina) that we’ll do everything we can to bridge the deficit,” he said adding that Indian investments in Bangladesh will help. “I’ll also try to make trade smoother and easier, including at the border. The agreement on standards and testing is a step in that direction,” the Indian Prime Minsiter said. He said power supply from India to Bangladesh will grow from 500 MW to 1100 MW within two years. “The 1320 MW Rampal power project is making progress in accordance with your laws and regulation. We can do more together in power sector, here and in India.” Modi reiterated his wish to deepen regional connectivity and cooperation with Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal. “There’s a natural logic to this arrangement. Our development partnership is scaling new heights.” On settlement of maritime boundary, he said it was evidence of the maturity of India’s ties and shared commitment to international rules.
Modi described his first visit to Bangladesh as a special moment for him. “My personal journey has been enriched by the good wishes from countless people here.” He said Bangladesh and India are not just neighbours rather two countries are two nations bound by the threads of history, religion, culture, language and kinship – and, of course, passion for cricket. “We’ve the emotional bonds of shared struggles and sacrifices that bring us together as sovereign and equal nations. That’s why the future I dream for India is the future I wish for Bangladesh,” he said. “People in India admire your nation’s progress despite many challenges. We want you to succeed in your Mission 2021 and 2041. The success of Bangladesh is important for the region and the world,” he said, according to a news agency.