Indian external affairs secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla left Dhaka Wednesday paying a ‘significant’ visit to give bilateral relations a boost during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
“I have a very satisfactory visit, a very short visit,” Shringla said after his lunch meeting with Bangladesh foreign secretary Masud Bin Momen at the Pan Pacific Sonargoan Hotel.
The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted bilateral relations of different countries as the situation is not normal. “(In this aspect) we see this visit as a breakthrough,” Momen said after the meeting.
His visit is ‘significant’ as it came in the wake of reports that Dhaka has been cosying up with China and the bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh have come under some strains.
There has been displeasure over “mischievous” media stories related to the ties between the neighbours.
But neither side disclosed about the visit before his arrival on Tuesday. There has been no prior announcement of his meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday night. And there has not been a post-meeting briefing from any sides.
It was Shringla’s first visit out of the country.
“The reason why I came is that the honorable Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) felt during Covid time there has not been much contact and we must continue to move forward our strong bilateral relations. I came primary to look at that matter,” Shringla said.
During the visit, they discussed Covid-19 situation, post-pandemic economic recovery plan, and cooperation in different areas including joint commemoration of the ongoing Mujib year, among others.
The foreign ministry said the Indian Foreign Secretary was on a brief visit to Bangladesh “to convey Prime Minister Modi’s message aiming at further strengthening the ties of friendship between the two countries.”
The Bangladesh Foreign Secretary hosted a ‘Working Lunch‘ for his Indian counterpart and during the one and half hour long meeting held in “an exceptionally warm, frank and cordial environment”, both sides discussed the wide ranging areas of ongoing bilateral cooperation, with particular focus on ways to address issues arising out of the COVID -19 situation.
The Indian Foreign Secretary reiterated that Bangladesh comes first for India, in Prime Minister Modi’s ‘neighbourhood first’ policy.
Secretary Shringla expressed “deep gratitude” for the kind gesture of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to grant him an audience in spite of her not having met any foreign dignitaries since the start of the COVID pandemic.
Both sides expressed satisfaction that even during this unusual situation created by the pandemic, the two countries have maintained a high level of engagement on the various areas of cooperation.
Important developments have included conducting the first trial run for trans-shipment of Indian cargo through Bangladesh under the Agreement on the use of Chattogram and Mongla port as well as signing the second addendum to the PIWTT.
Foreign Secretary Masud reiterated Bangladesh’s appreciation for the assistance of medicines and other medical items proactively provided by India for containing the pandemic.
Handing over 10 locomotives by Indian Railways to Bangladesh Railways was also appreciated.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen stated that Bangladesh is ready to collaborate in the development of COVID vaccine, including its trial, and looks forward to early affordable availability of the vaccine when it is ready.
Foreign Secretary Shringla expressed India’s willingness to be in close contact with Bangladesh and other neighbours and highlighted the cost advantage that India enjoys due to its economies of scale in manufacturing.
The Bangladesh side expressed appreciation to the Government of India for facilitating the evacuation of stranded Bangladeshi nationals from India to Bangladesh during the onset of the pandemic.
In this context, Foreign Secretary Masud requested for urgent reopening of visa issuance from the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, particularly since many Bangladeshi patients need to visit India for availing critical and emergency medical treatment.
Indian side was also requested to reopen travel through Benapole-Petrapole land port which has been halted by the West Bengal State Government in the wake of the pandemic.
Foreign Secretary Masud appreciated India’s efforts to ease travel between both countries through the introduction of ‘air bubble’ flights, proposed by the Indian side.
The Bangladesh Foreign Secretary requested Shringla to expedite the return of the Tablig members of Bangladesh who were impacted by the lockdown in India.
Request was also made for early release of the 25 Bangladeshi fishermen who are in custody in Dhubri district of Assam. Indian side assured that the matter has been addressed and the Bangladeshi nationals would be able to return soon.
Both sides discussed firming up plans for organizing joint events to celebrate Mujib Borsho and the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s Independence as well as establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
They also expressed interest to hold programs at select capitals across the world, as well as at the UN Headquarters, through close coordination between the diplomatic missions of the two countries.
Both Foreign Secretaries agreed that greater attention is required to accord more impetus to the development projects in Bangladesh under the Indian Lines of Credit.
Both Foreign Secretaries also underscored the value of positive media reporting on the bilateral engagements between the two countries and agreed to call upon their respective media communities to play more responsible roles in this regard.
Bangladesh expressed deep concern at the rise in killings at the Indo-Bangladesh border by BSF/ Indian nationals during the first half of this year.
Bangladesh flagged that this is in violation of all bilateral agreements and that the Indian Border Security Force must be duly urged to exercise maximum restraint.
The Indian side assured that the BSF authorities have been sensitized of the matter and the issue will be discussed in detail at the DG level talks between BGB and BSF to be hosted by Dhaka next month.
Bangladesh Foreign Secretary congratulated his counterpart on India becoming a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council and conveyed Bangladesh’s greater expectation from India as a member of the UNSC, to play a more meaningful role for a lasting solution to the Rohingya crisis, including their early repatriation to Myanmar.
Both sides agreed to convene the Joint Consultative Commission (JCC) between the two countries at the level of Foreign Ministers at the earliest, as JCC provides an excellent platform to discuss the entire gamut of bilateral relations between the two countries with an action-oriented focus.
The Indian Foreign Secretary requested his Bangladesh counterpart to visit India at the earliest, taking advantage of the ‘air bubble’ initiative of India.
