Bangladesh-India relations have received a welcome fillip from the successful visit to Dhaka by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
As both nations’ governments have invested considerable effort and prestige in these talks, it is vital for their credibility that they ensure the various deals signed deliver on their promise and potential to mutually further national goals and policies.
The agreements facilitating connectivity and new bus routes are perhaps of the most immediate practical benefit in opening up trade and investment. For Bangladesh, the test of success will lie in seeing how far these initiatives promote opportunities for investment and trade and help mitigate our $5bn plus trade deficit with India.
We strongly believe that increasing transport links and lowering trade barriers are in the interest of all peoples in our region. Such moves are essential in providing a platform for shared economic growth and to help the country strive towards the budget target of 7% GDP growth.
The complementary agreements signed on credit, trafficking and maritime matters should all help underpin continuous improvements in bilateral relations.
Mr Modi’s acknowledgement of the importance of reaching a fair solution on sharing water from the Teesta and Feni rivers is a particularly encouraging outcome of his trip.
By expressly addressing this issue and displaying his confidence that he can attain the support of India’s state governments to progress water-sharing agreements, he provides assurance that his visit will pave the way for further advances.
We hope that every possible effort will be made to ensure timely and proper implementation of the agreements reached and to build on the goodwill created this week to nurture closer friendly relations.