Modi assures fair solution to Teesta, Feni river waters

Noting that rivers should nurture relationship, not become a source of discord, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday assured that India would be able to settle the issues concerning sharing of Teesta and Feni rivers' water with the help of its West Bengal state, reports UNB.
"I'm confident that with the support of state governments in India, we can reach a fair solution on Teesta and Feni Rivers [issues]," Modi said stressing that water sharing is, above all, a human issue as it affects the life and livelihood on both sides of the border.
Modi made the assurance while making his statement after a meeting with his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina at the Prime Minister's Office in the city.
Emphasising proper river management, he said, "Our rivers should nurture our relationship, not become a source of discord. Both countries should also work together to renew and clean common rivers."
On connectivity, the Indian Prime Minister 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."
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."
He described his first visit to Bangladesh is a special moment for him. "My personal journey has been enriched by the good wishes from countless people here."
On settlement of maritime boundary, Modi said it was evidence of the maturity of India's ties and shared commitment to international rules.
On trade imbalance, the Indian Prime Minister said he is conscious of the high trade imbalance, despite duty-free and quota-free access for all but 25 items in India.
"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 would 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," he 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 said connectivity is the catalyst for deeper engagement and Bangladesh's decision to allow transit of power equipment and food-grain to the Northeast echoes the strength of Bangladesh's human values and two countries' shared economic opportunities.
"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.