BANGLADESH-INDIA JOINT STATEMENT

Hasina, Modi agree to deepen defence co-op

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi have agreed to foster mutually beneficial and deeper defence cooperation between the two neighbours, taking into account the illustrious history of cooperation, which began with the joint operation of both forces during Bangladesh’s great Liberation War in 1971. “They noted that the first ever visit by the defence minister of India to Bangladesh in November, 2016 was a significant step towards a new level of cooperation based on current goodwill and friendly bilateral relations between the two countries,” stated a 62-point joint statement issued by the two countries yesterday on the visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to New Delhi. The two prime ministers emphasised the need for further strengthening and consolidating defence cooperation through greater military-to-military training and exchanges. They also complimented the armed forces for their professional conduct during joint search and rescue operations in the Bay of Bengal leading to the rescue of a large number of fishermen from both sides and the recent initiatives to enhance cooperation in the field of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief activities.
The two leaders welcomed the conclusion of memorandums of understanding (MoUs) on defence cooperation, defence Line of Credit, as well as cooperation between various defence training institutes.
During the talks, the two prime ministers affirmed that the relationship between India and Bangladesh was anchored in history, culture, language and shared values of secularism, democracy, and countless other commonalities between the two countries.
They emphasised that relations between India and Bangladesh are based on fraternal ties and reflective of an all-encompassing partnership based on sovereignty, equality, trust and understanding that goes far beyond a strategic partnership. They re-affirmed their common aspiration for peace, collective prosperity and development of the region and beyond.
Prime Minister Hasina requested her counterpart for conclusion of the Interim Agreement on Sharing of the Water of Teesta as agreed upon by both governments in January 2011. Prime Minister Modi reiterated that his government is working with all stakeholders in India for an early conclusion of the agreement.
The two leaders also directed officials concerned to conclude, in the meanwhile, discussions on various aspects relating to sharing of waters of the Feni, Manu, Muhuri,

Khowai, Gumti, Dharla and Dudhkumar rivers.
The two prime ministers appreciated the positive steps taken in respect of Bangladesh’s proposal for jointly developing the Ganges Barrage on the river Padma in Bangladesh.
The two prime ministers condemned the genocide that occurred in Bangladesh in 1971. They solemnly acknowledged the atrocities and called upon the international community to recognise and preserve the memory of those who lost their lives and those who suffered during the genocide.
Prime Minister Modi announced a special medical scheme under which 100 freedom fighters from Bangladesh will be provided medical treatment in Indian hospitals every year. He also extended the Muktijoddha Scholarship Scheme for 10,000 heirs of Muktijhoddhas for another 5 years.
Some 36 bilateral documents, including business documents, were already signed during the visit.
The two prime ministers noted with satisfaction the continued exchange of high-level visits that have helped achieve a better understanding on many of the issues. They also appreciated the regular holding of meetings of sector specific institutional mechanisms in the areas of security and defence, trade and commerce, health, power and energy, transport and connectivity, etc. for effective follow-up of decisions taken by them in June 2015 in Dhaka.
Recognising that terrorism remains one of the most significant threats to peace and stability in the region, the two prime ministers reiterated their strong commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and stressed that there can be no justification whatsoever for any act of terror.
They expressed satisfaction at the extent of cooperation between the two countries on security related issues.
The two leaders recognised the need for urgent measures to counter and prevent the spread of terrorism, violent extremism and radicalisation in the region and beyond and expressed their determination to take concrete measures to further step up cooperation and coordination among law enforcement, intelligence and security organisations of both countries. They reiterated their commitment to ensure that their respective territories would not be allowed to be used for any activities inimical to the other.
The two prime ministers shared the view that effective implementation of the Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP) would enable better border management to jointly manage the identified vulnerable areas, irregular movement, incidents of violence and tragic loss of lives and ensure a border free of criminal activities.
Both Prime Ministers reiterated that the number of deaths at the border must be brought down to zero and directed the concerned authorities to work towards that end.
The two Prime Ministers emphasised the advantages of sub-regional cooperation in the areas of power, water resources, trade, transit and connectivity for mutual benefit. They welcomed the fact that a Trilateral Memorandum of Understanding between Bangladesh, Bhutan and India for Cooperation in the field of Hydroelectric Power had been worked out and noted that it would be signed at an occasion when leaders of all three countries would be present together.
Prime Minister Hasina requested Prime Minister Modi for facilitation of cross-border power sector cooperation with Nepal.
The two Prime Ministers noted the current level of bilateral trade between the two countries and agreed that it has potential for growth. In this regard, they emphasised the need to remove all trade barriers including removal of port restrictions to facilitate trade between the two countries.
Prime Minister Hasina also drew attention of Prime Minister Modi to recent imposition of anti-dumping duties by Indian authorities on export of Jute from Bangladesh and requested him to review this decision. India assured that it would look into the matter. Bangladesh also assured India to consider India’s request for doing away with the discriminatory regime of ‘Minimum Import Price’ in respect of import of certain products from India to Bangladesh.
The two Prime Ministers welcomed the growing people-to-people contacts and agreed to further increase exchanges between the two peoples. In this regard, the two Prime Ministers decided to mark the year 2018 as the Year of India in Bangladesh, and 2019 as the Year of Bangladesh in India. They also decided to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 2021 and 75th anniversary of India’s independence from British rule in 2022.
Both Prime Ministers welcomed the opening of the Phulbari- Banglabandha Immigration Check Post in February 2016 as a significant step towards increasing people-to-people contacts and facilitating movement of goods not only between the two countries but the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) sub-region.
In recognition of special connection between Bangladesh Muktijoddhas and India, Indian side announced 5 year multiple entry visa facility to all Muktijhodhas based on provision of supporting documents. Indian side responded to a humanitarian need expressed by Bangladesh by allowing medical visa facilities for diagnosis in India subject to supporting documentation being produced.
The two Prime Ministers emphasised the advantages of sub-regional cooperation in the areas of power, water resources, trade, transit and connectivity for mutual benefit. In this context, they noted the progress made by the Joint Working Groups on Sub-Regional Cooperation between Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN) on Water Resources Management and Power/Hydropower and on Trade, Transit and Connectivity. They welcomed decision reached between India, Bangladesh and Bhutan for cooperation in the field of hydroelectric power and hailed this development as a new paradigm for sub-regional cooperation.
Both Prime Ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepen regional cooperation to maximise the mutuality of interests and to ensure equitable share of mutual benefits in all areas, including trade, transport and energy. They recognised the importance of various regional/sub-regional cooperative/collaborative initiatives to improve the lives and livelihoods of all the people across the two countries.
Both Prime Ministers reiterated the importance of strong United Nations and emphasised the need for an early reform of the Security Council.

BANGLADESH-INDIA JOINT STATEMENT

Hasina, Modi agree to deepen defence co-op

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi have agreed to foster mutually beneficial and deeper defence cooperation between the two neighbours, taking into account the illustrious history of cooperation, which began with the joint operation of both forces during Bangladeshs great Liberation War in 1971. They noted that the first ever visit by the defence minister of India to Bangladesh in November, 2016 was a significant step towards a new level of cooperation based on current goodwill and friendly bilateral relations between the two countries, stated a 62-point joint statement issued by the two countries yesterday on the visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to New Delhi. The two prime ministers emphasised the need for further strengthening and consolidating defence cooperation through greater military-to-military training and exchanges. They also complimented the armed forces for their professional conduct during joint search and rescue operations in the Bay of Bengal leading to the rescue of a large number of fishermen from both sides and the recent initiatives to enhance cooperation in the field of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief activities. The two leaders welcomed the conclusion of memorandums of understanding (MoUs) on defence cooperation, defence Line of Credit, as well as cooperation between various defence training institutes. During the talks, the two prime ministers affirmed that the relationship between India and Bangladesh was anchored in history, culture, language and shared values of secularism, democracy, and countless other commonalities between the two countries. They emphasised that relations between India and Bangladesh are based on fraternal ties and reflective of an all-encompassing partnership based on sovereignty, equality, trust and understanding that goes far beyond a strategic partnership. They re-affirmed their common aspiration for peace, collective prosperity and development of the region and beyond. Prime Minister Hasina requested her counterpart for conclusion of the Interim Agreement on Sharing of the Water of Teesta as agreed upon by both governments in January 2011. Prime Minister Modi reiterated that his government is working with all stakeholders in India for an early conclusion of the agreement. The two leaders also directed officials concerned to conclude, in the meanwhile, discussions on various aspects relating to sharing of waters of the Feni, Manu, Muhuri, Khowai, Gumti, Dharla and Dudhkumar rivers. The two prime ministers appreciated the positive steps taken in respect of Bangladeshs proposal for jointly developing the Ganges Barrage on the river Padma in Bangladesh. The two prime ministers condemned the genocide that occurred in Bangladesh in 1971. They solemnly acknowledged the atrocities and called upon the international community to recognise and preserve the memory of those who lost their lives and those who suffered during the genocide. Prime Minister Modi announced a special medical scheme under which 100 freedom fighters from Bangladesh will be provided medical treatment in Indian hospitals every year. He also extended the Muktijoddha Scholarship Scheme for 10,000 heirs of Muktijhoddhas for another 5 years. Some 36 bilateral documents, including business documents, were already signed during the visit. The two prime ministers noted with satisfaction the continued exchange of high-level visits that have helped achieve a better understanding on many of the issues. They also appreciated the regular holding of meetings of sector specific institutional mechanisms in the areas of security and defence, trade and commerce, health, power and energy, transport and connectivity, etc. for effective follow-up of decisions taken by them in June 2015 in Dhaka. Recognising that terrorism remains one of the most significant threats to peace and stability in the region, the two prime ministers reiterated their strong commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and stressed that there can be no justification whatsoever for any act of terror. They expressed satisfaction at the extent of cooperation between the two countries on security related issues. The two leaders recognised the need for urgent measures to counter and prevent the spread of terrorism, violent extremism and radicalisation in the region and beyond and expressed their determination to take concrete measures to further step up cooperation and coordination among law enforcement, intelligence and security organisations of both countries. They reiterated their commitment to ensure that their respective territories would not be allowed to be used for any activities inimical to the other. The two prime ministers shared the view that effective implementation of the Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP) would enable better border management to jointly manage the identified vulnerable areas, irregular movement, incidents of violence and tragic loss of lives and ensure a border free of criminal activities. Both Prime Ministers reiterated that the number of deaths at the border must be brought down to zero and directed the concerned authorities to work towards that end. The two Prime Ministers emphasised the advantages of sub-regional cooperation in the areas of power, water resources, trade, transit and connectivity for mutual benefit. They welcomed the fact that a Trilateral Memorandum of Understanding between Bangladesh, Bhutan and India for Cooperation in the field of Hydroelectric Power had been worked out and noted that it would be signed at an occasion when leaders of all three countries would be present together. Prime Minister Hasina requested Prime Minister Modi for facilitation of cross-border power sector cooperation with Nepal. The two Prime Ministers noted the current level of bilateral trade between the two countries and agreed that it has potential for growth. In this regard, they emphasised the need to remove all trade barriers including removal of port restrictions to facilitate trade between the two countries. Prime Minister Hasina also drew attention of Prime Minister Modi to recent imposition of anti-dumping duties by Indian authorities on export of Jute from Bangladesh and requested him to review this decision. India assured that it would look into the matter. Bangladesh also assured India to consider Indias request for doing away with the discriminatory regime of Minimum Import Price in respect of import of certain products from India to Bangladesh. The two Prime Ministers welcomed the growing people-to-people contacts and agreed to further increase exchanges between the two peoples. In this regard, the two Prime Ministers decided to mark the year 2018 as the Year of India in Bangladesh, and 2019 as the Year of Bangladesh in India. They also decided to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 2021 and 75th anniversary of Indias independence from British rule in 2022. Both Prime Ministers welcomed the opening of the Phulbari- Banglabandha Immigration Check Post in February 2016 as a significant step towards increasing people-to-people contacts and facilitating movement of goods not only between the two countries but the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) sub-region. In recognition of special connection between Bangladesh Muktijoddhas and India, Indian side announced 5 year multiple entry visa facility to all Muktijhodhas based on provision of supporting documents. Indian side responded to a humanitarian need expressed by Bangladesh by allowing medical visa facilities for diagnosis in India subject to supporting documentation being produced. The two Prime Ministers emphasised the advantages of sub-regional cooperation in the areas of power, water resources, trade, transit and connectivity for mutual benefit. In this context, they noted the progress made by the Joint Working Groups on Sub-Regional Cooperation between Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN) on Water Resources Management and Power/Hydropower and on Trade, Transit and Connectivity. They welcomed decision reached between India, Bangladesh and Bhutan for cooperation in the field of hydroelectric power and hailed this development as a new paradigm for sub-regional cooperation. Both Prime Ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepen regional cooperation to maximise the mutuality of interests and to ensure equitable share of mutual benefits in all areas, including trade, transport and energy. They recognised the importance of various regional/sub-regional cooperative/collaborative initiatives to improve the lives and livelihoods of all the people across the two countries. Both Prime Ministers reiterated the importance of strong United Nations and emphasised the need for an early reform of the Security Council.