Dhaka-Delhi partnership key to peaceful S Asia: India

Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Monday said the partnership between Bangladesh and India would be key to building a prosperous and peaceful South Asia.

“I firmly believe that,” he said adding that this partnership will be a befitting tribute to the vision of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in this historic Mujib Barsho.

The Indian minister made the remarks while addressing a virtual programme with his Bangladesh counterpart Dr AK Abdul Momen, UNB reports.

Dr Jaishankar said India remains a committed development partner of Bangladesh.

With exports from Bangladesh to India having crossed the US$ 1 billion mark in 2019 – a remarkable growth of 43 percent from the previous year, India invited the business community of Bangladesh to further enhance their engagement with India.

“We look forward to more such milestones, especially in this historic year and as we commemorate 50 years of the liberation of Bangladesh and the establishment of our diplomatic ties next year,” said the Indian Minister.

He hoped the partnership will become truly exemplary and forge stronger bonds of friendship.

“Our uniquely concessional lines of credit of close to US$ 10 billion are the largest India has extended to any country. These projects will help in the infrastructure development of Bangladesh, a pre-requisite for its economy leapfrog to the next level,” he said.

The Indian minister said the two countries need to work together to expedite these ongoing projects.