India - Bangladesh Joint Statement during the State visit of Prime Minister of Bangladesh to India
1. Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of the Government of the People’s
Republic of Bangladesh, paid a State Visit to India from 5-8 September 2022 at
the invitation of Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi. During the visit, Prime
Minister Sheikh Hasina called on the President of India, Droupadi Murmu and the
Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar. External Affairs Minister Dr S
Jaishankar and Minister of Development of North Eastern Region 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.