The Indian Prime Minister embarked on a state visit to Bangladesh to partake in three major celebrations. These include the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh’s Independence, the Birth Centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the nation’s founding father, and the commemoration of 50 years of diplomatic ties between India and Bangladesh.
Joint Celebrations of Historical Links
During the visit, Bangladesh expressed its gratitude to India for awarding the 2020 Gandhi Peace Prize to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Both countries also initiated the Bangabandhu – Bapu Digital Exhibition in Dhaka, released commemorative postage stamps to mark their 50-year friendship, and decided to observe December 6th as Maitri Diwas, the day India recognized Bangladesh in 1971. Furthermore, India announced the establishment of the Bangabandhu Chair at the University of Delhi, while Bangladesh expressed appreciation for India’s decision to name the road from Mujib Nagar to Nadia on the Bangladesh-India border as “Shadhinota Shorok”.
Water Resources Cooperation
Bangladesh reiterated its request to conclude the long-pending interim agreement on sharing the waters of the Teesta river, with the draft already agreed upon in January 2011. India called for the finalization of the Feni River water-sharing interim agreement and other water-sharing agreements for six common rivers. Both nations instructed the Joint Technical Committee to start the feasibility study of the Ganges-Padma barrage for optimal use of the Ganges waters.
Trade for Growth
Both countries underlined the need for predictable trade policies and non-tariff barriers’ removal. They highlighted the importance of upgrading infrastructure, harmonizing standards, and recognizing agreements for enhancing bilateral trade. India applauded Bangladesh’s forthcoming graduation from the Least Developed Country status and invited Indian investment into Bangladesh’s jute sector.
Connectivity for Prosperity
During the visit, India thanked Bangladesh for reviving pre-1965 rail connectivity. Bangladesh reiterated its eagerness to be a part of the India – Myanmar – Thailand trilateral highway project. India also urged Bangladesh to operationalize the trans-shipment Agreement on using Chattogram and Mongla Ports for movement of goods to and from India.
Cooperation in Public Health
Bangladesh expressed its gratitude to India for donating 3.2 million doses of the Astra Zeneca Covishield vaccine. The countries also discussed border management, security cooperation, and defence cooperation, with India offering a USD 500 million line of credit for defence imports from India.
New Areas of Cooperation
The leaders recognized the potential for cooperation in emerging areas such as science, artificial intelligence, nuclear technology, big data, and technology services in health and education sectors. They agreed to invite 50 young entrepreneurs from Bangladesh to present their ideas to venture capitalists in India.
Partners in the Regional and World
Both nations pledged to continue to work together in the United Nations and other multilateral fora, emphasizing the role of regional organizations like SAARC and BIMSTEC in the post-Covid-19 era. Bangladesh, which is set to chair the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) in October 2021, sought India’s support for maritime safety and security in the Indian Ocean region.
Joint Announcements
As part of their joint commitments, the two Prime Ministers laid the foundation stone for several projects, including a memorial for the Martyrs of the Indian Armed Forces, initiated three border haats for promoting local produce, and inaugurated the ‘Mitali Express’ – a passenger train connecting Dhaka and New Jalpaiguri.
