Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday reiterated India’s “sincere commitment” and continued efforts to get the Teesta water sharing deal signed.
He made the commitment again as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina highlighted the need for early signing of an interim agreement for sharing of the Teesta waters, as agreed upon by both the governments in 2011.
The deal was not signed due to the opposition of West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee.
After the meeting, Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami said both PM talked about Teesta.
Both leaders express understanding of the circumstances, he said, adding that “we have to talk all parties in India as per constitution.”
According to the joint statement, the two leaders underscored the need for early conclusion of Framework of Interim Agreement on sharing of waters of six joint rivers, namely, Manu, Muhuri, Khowai, Gumti, Dharla and Dudhkumar.
Bangladesh requested the Indian side to inform its concerned border authorities to allow excavation work of the remaining portion of the Rahimpur Khal for utilization of Kushiyara River waters for irrigation purposes.
The Indian side was also requested to provide early concurrence on the proposed MoU to be signed between the two countries for monitoring the withdrawal of water from the Kushiyara River by both the sides, pending signing of the Treaty/Agreement regarding sharing of water of the Kushiyara River.
The two leaders recalled the positive contribution of the Joint Rivers Commission and looked forward to the next round of Secretarial level JRC meeting at the earliest.
