FM returns from Delhi with plethora of promises
Staff Reporter :
Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud’s recent visit to India was marked by a plethora of promises spanning various areas of engagement, aimed at solidifying bilateral relations in the days ahead.
During his four-day visit from February 6 to February 9, 2024, Dr. Mahmud engaged in high-level discussions with key Indian officials, underscoring the multifaceted nature of cooperation between the two South Asian neighbours.
Among the notable meetings, Dr. Mahmud held discussions with Indian President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, and Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.
Emphasising the importance of deeper collaboration, Foreign Minister sought to bolster ties in various sectors, including trade, connectivity, power, defense, and security.
Both sides expressed a commitment to fostering high-quality cooperation that benefits the socio-economic development of both nations.
Amid the ongoing conflicts in Myanmar and the persistent Rohingya crisis, Dr. Mahmud also addressed the humanitarian challenges facing the region.
He urged India to play a constructive role in resolving these crises, highlighting the need for concerted efforts to alleviate the suffering of affected communities.
In response, the Indian side pledged its cooperation, signaling a shared commitment to addressing pressing regional challenges.
President of India expressed happiness on the excellent existing relationship between Bangladesh and India, according to the information of the
Foreign Ministry on Friday.
She said, India attaches high importance to the relations with Bangladesh. She noted that Bangladesh is the largest development and trading partner of India.
Foreign Minister Mahmud briefed the President of India about his visit and stressed on having excellent relations with India.
He also requested the President to visit Bangladesh at her earliest convenience.
Earlier in the morning, Foreign Minister met Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry of India.
Hasan Mahmud mentioned that the new Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina starts a fresh journey with new mandates, and one of the priorities of the Government is to address the prices of essential commodities.
In the meeting, Hassan Mahmud requested Piyush Goyal to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential goods in Bangladesh, especially during Ramadan, to maintain price stability and to remove duties and barriers on imported goods.
Informing the journalists about the meeting, Hasan Mahmud stated that they had discussed the import of perishable items from India.
“We have also discussed in details regarding the import of 50,000 tonnes of onions and one lakh tonnes of sugar before Ramadan,” he said.
Piyush Goyal said India is committed to ensure the economic and financial stability in Bangladesh.
He assured of accommodating the request of Bangladesh Foreign Minister for supplying essential commodities. He stressed on further improving the trade and commerce relation between the two countries.
Before this, Dr. Hassan Mahmud had a meeting with the Vice President and Minister of State for External Affairs, Jagdeep Dhankhar.
They expressed satisfaction with the excellent bilateral relations between Bangladesh and India and expressed confidence in further advancing this relationship.
On Thursday, while exchanging views with the journalists there Hasan Mahmud said that he requested the Indian side to rapidly implement the Teesta water sharing agreement.
“We have discussed the matter (Teesta). There is no objection from the central government of India regarding the expeditious implementation of the agreement on river water sharing, including the Teesta. I am optimistic that a solution can be reached, “he said.
Teesta River is always regarded as the lifeline of the northern regions for agriculture and aquatic lives, but the river is almost moribund due to the one-sided withdrawal of water by the Indian government.
Experts have always expressed concerns about the unilateral action to withdraw water from the trans-boundary river without ensuring the fair share of water with Bangladesh.
Many years have passed but the unsettled issue of Teesta water sharing deal has not yet been inked. Bangladesh government has always received promises from the India side as the foreign minister stated that he was optimistic about it.
Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud would return to Dhaka tonight, Foreign Ministry said.
