India - Bangladesh Joint Statement during
the State Visit of Prime Minister of Bangladesh to India
[PIB Press Release/07.09.2022]
1. H.E. Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of the
Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, paid a State Visit to India from
05-08 September 2022 at the invitation of Prime Minister of India Mr. Narendra Modi.
During the visit, H.E. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina called on the President of India,
Smt. Droupadi Murmu and the Vice President of India, Mr. Jagdeep Dhankhar. External
Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Minister of Development of North Eastern
Region Mr. G. Kishan Reddy called on her. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s programme
also includes launching of "Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Student Scholarship”
for 200 descendants of Indian Armed Forces personnel martyred and critically injured
during the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971. She also addressed a business event,
jointly organized by Indian and Bangladesh business communities on 7 September 2022.
2. Both Prime Ministers held a restricted
meeting and tête-à-tête followed by delegation level talks on
6 September 2022. The meetings were marked by great warmth and cordiality. The two
Leaders expressed satisfaction at the excellent state of bilateral relations, based
on deep historical and fraternal ties and shared values of democracy and pluralism,
which is reflected in an all-encompassing bilateral partnership, based on sovereignty,
equality, trust and understanding that transcends even a strategic partnership.
3. The two Leaders recalled Prime Minister
Narendra Modi’s State Visit in March 2021 to join the celebrations of the Golden
Jubilee of the Independence of Bangladesh, the Birth Centenary of the Father of
the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and 50 years of establishment of diplomatic
relations between India and Bangladesh, which was followed by the State Visit of
the President of India in December 2021, to attend the celebrations of the Golden
Jubilee of the Victory Day of Bangladesh, as the Guest of Honour.
4. The two Prime Ministers noted with satisfaction
the continued exchange of high-level visits which have helped in achieving progress
in the various areas of cooperation. Both sides also recalled the successful holding
of the Seventh Meeting of the Joint Consultative Commission, led by the Foreign
Ministers of two countries held at New Delhi, India in June 2022.
5. The two Prime Ministers held discussions
on the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation, including political and security cooperation,
defence, border management, trade and connectivity, water resources, power and energy,
development cooperation, cultural and people-to-people links. They also agreed to
collaborate in new areas of cooperation, such as, environment, climate change, cyber
security, ICT, space technology, green energy and blue economy.
6. They further discussed the various aspects
of regional and global issues of interest. Keeping in mind the impact of COVID-19
pandemic and the supply chain disruptions due to global developments, the Leaders
emphasized the need for greater collaboration in the spirit of friendship and partnership
for prosperity and development of the region.
7. The two Leaders underscored the importance
of implementing bilateral and sub-regional rail, road, and other connectivity initiatives.
Both sides welcomed the ongoing bilateral initiatives, such as, conversion to dual-gauge
of Tongi-Akhaura line, supply of railway rolling stock, capacity building for the
personnel of Bangladesh Railway, sharing of IT solutions for improved services of
Bangladesh Railway etc. Both sides also welcomed the new initiatives, namely, Kaunia-Lalmonirhat-Mogalghat-New
Gitaldaha link, establishing a link between Hili and Birampur, upgradation of track
and signaling systems and railway stations along the Benapole-Jashore line, link
restoration between Burimari and Changrabandha, construction of a container depot
at Sirajganj etc. and both sides agreed to explore funding of these projects through
a range of financial instruments under the bilateral development cooperation. The
Bangladesh side welcomed the gesture of India for providing 20 broad-gauge diesel
locomotives on grant.
8. The two Leaders appreciated the growth
in bilateral trade, with India emerging as the largest export destination for Bangladesh
in Asia. The Bangladesh side requested the Indian side for predictable supply of
the essential food commodities from India such as rice, wheat, sugar, onion, ginger
and garlic. The Indian side conveyed that Bangladesh’s requests will be favourably
considered based on prevalent supply conditions in India, and all efforts will be
made in this regard.
9. Recognizing that peaceful management of
India-Bangladesh border is a shared priority, the two Leaders directed the officials
to expedite work to complete all pending developmental works within 150 yards of
the Zero Line, including fencing starting with the Tripura sector with the objective
of maintaining a tranquil and crime-free border.
10. Noting with satisfaction that the number
of deaths due to incidents along the border has significantly reduced, both sides
agreed to work towards bringing the number down to zero. Both sides noted with appreciation
the stepped up efforts by the two border guarding forces against smuggling of arms,
narcotics and fake currency and to prevent trafficking, particularly of women and
children. Both Leaders reiterated their strong commitment to eliminate terrorism
in all its forms and manifestations and decided to further strengthen their cooperation
to counter and prevent the spread of terrorism, violent extremism and radicalisation
in the region and beyond.
11. Noting with satisfaction the convening
of the 38th Ministerial Meeting of the Joint Rivers Commission of India and Bangladesh
(23-25 August 2022, New Delhi), the two Leaders welcomed the signing of an MoU between
the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of the Republic of India and Ministry of
Water Resources, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh on Withdrawal
of Water by India and Bangladesh from Common Border River Kushiyara, that will help
Bangladesh to address its irrigation needs and facilitate water projects for South
Assam.
12. The Indian side requested for early signing
of the interim water sharing agreement on Feni River, taking into account the urgent
irrigation requirements of the State of Tripura. The Bangladesh side took note of
the Indian request. The Indian side thanked Bangladesh for enabling India to construct
the intake well to implement the 2019 MoU between the two countries on withdrawal
of 1.82 cusec of water from Feni River for drinking water supply for Sabroom town
in Tripura.
13. Recognizing the importance of water management
in the bilateral relationship, the Leaders appreciated the decision of Joint Rivers
Commission for widening the area of cooperation by including additional number of
rivers for prioritizing the exchange of data and formulating the framework of the
interim water sharing agreements. The Leaders welcomed the formation of a Joint
Technical Committee to conduct a study for optimum utilization of water received
by Bangladesh under the provisions of Ganges Water Sharing Treaty, 1996.
14. Recalling earlier discussions, Prime Minister
Sheikh Hasina reiterated Bangladesh’s long pending request for concluding the interim
agreement on the sharing of the waters of the Teesta River, the draft of which was
finalized in 2011. Both Leaders also directed the officials to work together to
address issues such as pollution in rivers and to improve riverine environment and
river navigability in respect of common rivers.
15. In the spirit of enhancing sub-regional
cooperation, the two Leaders agreed to expeditiously implement projects to connect
the two countries’ power grids synchronously, including through the proposed high
capacity 765 KV transmission line from Katihar (Bihar) to Bornagar (Assam) through
Parbatipur in Bangladesh, to be made through a suitably-structured India-Bangladesh
Joint Venture for a Special Purpose Vehicle. It was agreed to strengthen sub-regional
cooperation in the power sector. The Bangladesh side requested for import of power
from Nepal and Bhutan through India. The Indian side informed that the guidelines
for the same are already in place in India.
16. Both Leaders reviewed the progress made
on the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline that will contribute to addressing energy
demands of Bangladesh. They expressed hope that the project would be completed at
the earliest. The Bangladesh side also requested the Indian side to assist in meeting
its domestic requirement for petroleum products. The Indian side agreed to facilitate
discussions between the authorized agencies of both sides. The Indian side appreciated
Bangladesh’s timely support in allowing transportation of Petroleum, Oil and Lubricants
from Assam to Tripura via Bangladesh in the light of disruptions due to the devastating
floods in Assam and Meghalaya. The Indian side also welcomed the decision of the
Bangladesh side to enlist Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL) as a registered G2G
supplier of refined petroleum products to Bangladesh.
17. Both Leaders expressed satisfaction at
the robust cooperation between two sides in development partnership. The Bangladesh
side appreciated the efficiency at which the development funds were disbursed by
India, becoming the top development partner in terms of funds disbursement during
the last financial year.
18. The two Leaders welcomed the successful
completion of trial runs under the Agreement on the use of the Chattogram and Mongla
Ports (ACMP) and looked forward to its full operationalisation at the earliest.
The Indian side reiterated its request to work towards the expansion of the bilateral
Coastal Shipping Agreement of 2015 to include third-country EXIM cargo. The two
sides also agreed to expeditiously explore direct shipping links between the two
countries. They also agreed to implement the decision to start riverine services
under the Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade (PIWTT) routes 5 & 6 (Dhulian
to Rajshahi -extension to Aricha) and 9 & 10 (Daudkandi to Sonamura). The Indian
side requested Bangladesh to complete remaining infrastructure, immigration, and
customs facilities for the operationalisation of the Maitri Bridge over River Feni,
connecting Tripura with Bangladesh, at an early date.
19. The two Leaders agreed to expedite efforts
to improve bilateral and sub-regional connectivity through early operationalisation
of the BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreement. The Indian side requested the Bangladesh side
for cooperation for initiating new sub-regional connectivity projects including
a highway from Hili in West Bengal to Mahendraganj in Meghalaya through Bangladesh
and in this regard, proposed preparation of a Detailed Project Report. In the same
spirit, Bangladesh reiterated its eagerness to partner in the ongoing initiative
of the India – Myanmar - Thailand trilateral highway project.
20. The Indian side informed that it has offered
free transit via its territory to Bangladesh for exporting its products to third
countries through specified Land Customs Stations/Airports/Seaports. In this regard,
the Indian side invited Bangladesh business community for using its port infrastructure
for transshipment to third countries. India has also been providing free transit
to Bangladesh for exporting its products to Nepal and Bhutan. The Bangladesh side
also requested rail connectivity with Bhutan through the newly inaugurated Chilahati
– Haldibari route. The Indian side agreed to consider the request, based on its
viability and feasibility. To make this and other cross border rail links viable,
the Indian side requested the Bangladesh side to remove port restrictions, inter
alia at the Chilahati – Haldibari crossing.
21. The two Leaders welcomed the recent finalization
of a Joint Feasibility Study which recommended that Comprehensive Economic Partnership
Agreement (CEPA) will be beneficial for both countries. They directed trade officials
on both sides to start negotiations within the calendar year 2022 and to complete
these at the earliest, in time for Bangladesh’s final graduation from LDC status.
22. Reiterating the importance of facilitating
trade between the two countries, they stressed the urgent need for up-gradation
of infrastructure and facilities at the Land Customs Stations/Land Ports, and for
removal of port restrictions and other non-tariff barriers at identified Land Custom
Stations. The Indian side reiterated its request for at least one major land port
without port restrictions or negative list of restrictions, on the border with North
Eastern States of India, for easier market access, starting with ICP Agartala-Akhaura.
Both Leaders welcomed the progress made on India’s proposal to fund the development
of a second freight gate at Petrapole-Benapole ICP and directed the officials to
complete the work at the earliest.
23. The two Leaders also expressed satisfaction
at the intensification of bilateral defence ties. They also agreed for early finalization
of projects under the Line of Credit for defence, which would be beneficial for
both the countries. India welcomed the finalization of initial procurement plans
for vehicles for the Bangladesh Armed Forces in this regard and looked forward to
enhancing bilateral defence ties. The Indian side reiterated its request for implementing
the 2019 MoU for providing a coastal radar system for greater maritime security,
at an early date.
24. Welcoming the close cooperation between
the two countries during the COVID-19 pandemic including through Vaccine Maitri
and Oxygen express trains to Bangladesh, and Bangladesh’s gift of medicines to India,
the two Leaders emphasized the need to increase people-to-people ties. The Leaders
expressed satisfaction at the resumption of rail, road, air and water-related connectivity.
In this regard, the Bangladesh side welcomed India reopening facilities at most
of the road and rail immigration check posts and requested restoration of immigration
facilities to pre-COVID-19 level at all land ports/ICPs to facilitate movement,
at an early date. Both Leaders welcomed starting of regular services of Mitali Express
since June 2022, the third passenger train between India and Bangladesh.
25. Both Leaders looked forward to the early
launch of the jointly-produced film on Bangabandhu (Mujib: the Making of A Nation).They
also agreed to work towards other initiatives including operationalisation of "Shadhinota
Shorok”- the historic road from Mujib Nagar in Bangladesh to the India-Bangladesh
border in Nadia, West Bengal, and production of a documentary on the Liberation
War of Bangladesh in 1971. The Bangladesh side also proposed joint compilation of
rare video footage on the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971. The Bangladesh side
appreciated the establishment of Bangabandhu Chair at University of Delhi, by the
Indian side.
26. The two Leaders looked forward to the
first visit of a start-up delegation from Bangladesh that would stimulate partnership
in innovation between the two countries. Both sides also expressed satisfaction
at the resumption of youth exchanges being planned in the coming months. The Bangladesh
side conveyed deep appreciation for India’s initiative to provide medical treatment
of Bangladesh’s Muktijodhas at medical facilities in India.
27. The Leaders stressed on the effective
implementation of the 2011 MoU on ‘Conservation of the Sundarbans’ including through
the convening of the JWG at the earliest, so that the ecosystem of this deltaic
forest and the people dependent on this ecosystem can live sustainably.
28. Both sides acknowledged the importance
of leveraging the potential of new and emerging areas of cooperation and directed
authorities on both sides to augment cooperation in cutting edge areas of peaceful
use of outer space, green energy, peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and technology
enabled services in finance, health and education.
29. With regard to the regional situation,
India expressed appreciation at the generosity of Bangladesh in sheltering and providing
humanitarian assistance to over a million persons forcibly displaced from the Rakhine
State in Myanmar and underlined its continuing commitment to support both Bangladesh
and Myanmar, as the only country that is neighbour of both, in the effort to ensure
safe, sustainable, and expeditious return of these forcibly displaced people to
their homeland.
30. The two sides underscored the need to
work for strengthened regional cooperation through regional organizations. The Indian
side appreciated the contribution of Bangladesh in hosting the BIMSTEC Secretariat
and developing its infrastructure. The Indian side reiterated its support to Bangladesh
in its capacity as the Chair of Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
31. The following MoUs and Agreements were signed and exchanged during the visit:
a)
MoU between the Ministry of Jal Shakti,
Government of India and Ministry of Water Resources, Government of Bangladesh on
Withdrawal of Water by India and Bangladesh from Common Border River Kushiyara;
b)
MoU between the Ministry of Railways (Railway
Board), Government of India and the Ministry of Railways, Government of Bangladesh
on Training of Bangladesh Railway Personnel in India;
c)
MoU between the Ministry of Railways (Railway
Board), Government of India and the Ministry of Railways, Government of Bangladesh
on Collaboration in IT systems such as FOIS and other IT Applications for Bangladesh
Railway;
d)
MoU on Scientific and Technological Cooperation
between Council for Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), India and Bangladesh
Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (BCSIR), Bangladesh;
e)
MoU on Cooperation in the Areas of Space
Technology between Newspace India Limited and Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited;
f)
MoU between the Prasar Bharti and Bangladesh
Television (BTV) on Cooperation in Broadcasting; &
g)
MoU between the National Judicial Academy,
India and the Supreme Court of Bangladesh on Training and Capacity Building Programme
for Bangladesh Judicial Officers in India.
32. The following were unveiled/announced/released
during the visit:
a)
Unveiling of Unit-I of Maitree Super Thermal
Power Plant, Rampal, Bangladesh;
b)
Inauguration of Rupsha railway bridge;
c)
Announcement of signing of project management
consultancy contracts for Khulna – Darshana railway line and Parbotipur – Kaunia
railway line.
d)
Presentation of the book containing translation
of the historic ‘7th March Speech’ of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 23 Indian
and 5 languages of other South Asian countries, by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
e)
Announcement regarding offer of 20 broad
gauge locomotives to Bangladesh Railway on grant basis.
f)
Announcement regarding supply of road construction
equipment and machinery to Road and Highways Department, Government of Bangladesh.
33. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina thanked Prime
Minister Narendra Modi for the warm and generous hospitality of the Government and
the people of India. Prime Minister Hasina extended a cordial invitation to Prime
Minister Modi to visit Bangladesh and the two Leaders looked forward to continuing
interactions at all levels and fora.