Visiting Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday said India is committed to addressing pending issues with Bangladesh, including the Teesta water sharing deal and LBA. “I’m aware there’re issues of concern for Bangladesh, which remain unsolved, such as the sharing of Teesta water, implementation of land boundary agreement (LBA) and its protocol, and better border management,” she said. Sushma said the new Indian government is committed to addressing all these in a manner that helps improve the welfare and wellbeing of the people of the two countries. She was addressing a lecture session organized by Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) on India-Bangladesh Relations: A Framework for Cooperation at Ruposhi Bangla Hotel here in the evening. Sushma said the new Indian government is committed to pursuing new approaches and fresh thinking and will be guided by the core values of “our civilization”. “My government’s foreign policy will be based on the principles of developing peaceful and friendly relations with all countries, anchored in enlightened national self-interest.” Sushma said. She said they are convinced that India’s development cannot be complete and sustainable unless they succeed in building productive partnerships with their immediate neighbours. — UNB, Dhaka.
