Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday said he was confident that, with the support of state governments in India, the two countries could reach a fair solution on Teesta and Feni Rivers.
While delivering the India-Bangladesh joint statement, the Indian prime minister further said: “Our rivers should nurture our relationship, not become a source of discord. Water sharing is, above all, a human issue.
“It affects life and livelihood on both sides of the border. We should also work together to renew and clean our rivers.”
Regarding the ratification of Land Boundary Agreement, he said: “We have resolved a question that has lingered since Independence. Our two nations have a settled boundary. It will make our borders more secure and people’s life there more stable.
“Our Parliament’s approval of Land Boundary Agreement reflects the consensus in India on relations with Bangladesh.”
Noting that connectivity is the catalyst for deeper engagement, the visiting Indian premire said: “Bangladesh’s decision to allow transit of power equipment and food-grain to the Northeast echoes the strength of your human values and our shared economic opportunities.
“Connectivity by road, rail, rivers, sea, transmission lines, petroleum pipelines and digital links will increase. Today, we have unveiled some of the pathways to this future.”
“As I have said before, we will deepen regional connectivity and cooperation between Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal. There is a natural logic to this arrangement,” added Modi.
Mentioning that the Bangladesh-India development partnership is scaling new heights, he added that the quick implementation of the Line of Credit of US$800 million and full disbursement of US$200 million in grant is a tribute to the cooperation.
He also announced that they were pleased to extend another line of credit of US$2 billion to support infrastructure and other development activities in Bangladesh.
Referring to the three agreements on human trafficking, fake Indian currency and maritime safety show, Modi said: “Our security cooperation is growing.
“I am confident that we both have the political will and mutual confidence to further improve border management and coordination to prevent illegal activities, trafficking and movements.” He also termed the visit a historic moment.
