India reiterates strong support to Bangladesh in fight against extremism, terrorism: MEA

New Delhi: During his recent bilateral visit to Bangladesh on may 11-12, Indian Foreign Secretary Dr. S. Jaishankar conveyed India’s strong support to Bangladesh in its fight against extremism and terrorism, particularly in response to recent attacks against vulnerable sections of society, said the Ministry of External Affairs here on Thursday.

Divulging details of Jaishankar’s visit, MEA official spokesperson Vikas Swarup said, “The visit was part of regular interaction between the two sides. Foreign Secretary called on Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Foreign Minister A.H. Mahmood Ali on May 11 and met with Bangladeshi Foreign Secretary M. Shahidul Haque on May 12, that is today.”

“During the talks, both Foreign Secretaries reviewed progress on decisions and understandings reached during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Bangladesh in June 2015. Both sides noted with appreciation that there has been excellent implementation of decisions taken, which are evident from the results in all sectors,” he said.

Key developments, he said, included progress on implementation of the Land Boundary Agreement; commencement of supply of 100 MW power from Palatana, Tripura to eastern Bangladesh; supply of internet bandwidth from Bangladesh to Tripura; launch of coastal shipping services from Chittagong to Krishnapatnam; progress on energy cooperation; signing of the Dollar Credit Line Agreement for execution of projects under the US$ 2 billion Line of Credit.

“Both sides also took stock of decisions made during recent meetings of various bilateral mechanisms in the areas of Security and Border Management, power, shipping, railways, health, blue economy, establishment of Indian SEZs in Bangladesh etc,” he added.

Both Foreign Secretaries also shared their perspectives on regional and international issues of mutual interest.

The visit was useful in preparing the ground for the next meeting of the Joint Consultative Commission led by the two Foreign Ministers which is scheduled to be held in Dhaka in the second half of 2016, he said. (ANI)