India’s Neighborhood First and Act East policies find resonance in Bangladesh: Foreign Secy

                                                                                                                                                                 Nirendra Dev

 

New Delhi: Indian Foreign Secretary emphasized the importance of having ties between India and Bangladesh and noted the strong bond of the nations since the formation of Bangladesh. 

 

Two of the major pillars of Indian diplomacy, its Neighborhood First and Act East policies, find "common ground in our work" with Bangladesh, Foreign Secretary Harsh V Shringla said here on Monday.

 

Speaking at the Signing Ceremony of the MoU on establishing the Bangabandhu Chair at Delhi University.

 

Mr. Shringla said Bangladesh's founding father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, understood well that "Indians and Bangladeshis have a shared future" and he was a strong proponent of India-Bangladesh friendship and brotherly ties.

 

"I am happy to note that we have, together, built on that vision. India and Bangladesh continue to attach very special importance to their bilateral relations. By any indicator, the bonds between our two nations are marked by a rare degree of closeness, substance, and understanding," he said.

 

Shringla, who has served in Bangladesh as India's envoy, said the fact that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first foreign visit since the COVID pandemic has been to Dhaka, speaks for itself.

 

The establishment of the Bangabandhu Chair this year is a fitting tribute to this great leader, his life, and his work, he said.

 

"With the signing of the MoU on the Bangabandhu Chair, one of the most significant commitments made during the Prime Minister’s visit stands fulfilled," the Foreign Secretary said.

 

He said Sheikh Mujib was more remarkable for being "a strong voice against radicalism and extremism of any kind."

 

Shringla said, "His message of friendship and moderation has a special resonance in today’s world where a pandemic has accentuated fault-lines and divisions. Bangabandhu is revered in India. His struggles, his accomplishments, and his values continue to inspire."

 

During his visit to Bangladesh in March, Prime Minister Modi unveiled a new roadmap for a shared future with its eastern neighbor Bangladesh.

 

Both the Prime Ministers had directed their respective Ministries of Water Resources to work towards an early conclusion of the Framework of Interim Agreement on sharing of waters of six common rivers: Manu, Muhuri, Khowai, Gumti, Dharla, and Dudhkumar.

 

The long-pending Teesta water sharing issue also figured prominently.