Hasina in India: Talks open with energy security

GBNEWS24DESK//

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar yesterday agreed that Bangladesh and India should work together to overcome the challenges posed by Russia-Ukraine war in ensuring energy security.

On the first day of her four-day India visit, Hasina discussed with Jaishankar a wide range of issues, including the Rohingya crisis and purchase of fuel from Delhi.

After the meeting, Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Masud bin Momen told reporters that if India has surplus oil to export to Bangladesh, Dhaka could consider buying it if the terms and prices are favourable.

“From India, we can get its surplus fuel [if any] on favourable terms and conditions. We will of course consider that,” he said.

Hasina told Jaishankar that many countries are facing problems due to the soaring prices of petrol, diesel and gas, the foreign secretary said adding that purchase of surplus fuel from India will be discussed today.

Masud said it’s not correct that Bangladesh cannot buy oil from Russia, and that they are now scrutinising technical specifications to that end.

At yesterday’s meeting, Hasina raised the Myanmar issue, referring to the unrest in Rakhine province.

In response, Jaishankar said India is keeping an eye on the recent unrest in Rakhine.

The Bangladesh PM said there is apprehension that the recent unrest in Rakhine would hamper the Rohingya repatriation.

“Everyone feels that apprehension,” he said, quoting the premier.

The Bangladesh foreign secretary expressed optimism that the procedures for signing seven MoUs (memorandum of understanding) would be completed last night and placed during bilateral talks between Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi today.

“These are likely to be finalised tonight [Monday night],” he said.