India, Bangladesh talk tough on terror, strengthen strategic ties

India and Bangladesh on Saturday said that the international community should end selective approach to combating terrorism and called for finalisation of Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.

"Terrorism remains one of the most significant threats to peace and stability in the region, the two Prime Ministers reiterated their strong commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and stressed that there can be no justification whatsoever for any act of terror," said the Joint Statement after Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Sheikh Hasina held talks along with their delegations.

Expressing satisfaction at the extent of bilateral cooperation on security issues, the two sides strongly condemned the recent barbaric terror attacks in India and Bangladesh.

Taking note of the global policy of selective policy on terrorism, India and Bangladesh "expressed their conviction that the fight against terrorism should not only seek to disrupt and eliminate terrorists, terror organisations and networks" but also it "identify, hold accountable and take strong measures against states and entities which encourage, support and finance terrorism, provide sanctuary to terrorists and terror groups, and falsely extol their virtues".

They also called for the early finalisation and adoption of a the comprehensive anti-terror convention by the United Nations.

On the defence cooperation, the statement "emphasised the need to further strengthen and consolidate defence cooperation through greater military-to-military training and exchanges".

The statement also complimented both their armed forces for the Joint Search and Rescue Operations in the Bay of Bengal leading to the rescue of a large number of fishermen from both countries.

According to the joint statement, Hasina requested Modi for conclusion of the interim agreement on sharing of the water of Teesta and he said the Indian government is working with all stakeholders for its early conclusion.

The two leaders also directed officials to conclude discussions on various "aspects relating to sharing of waters of the Feni, Manu, Muhuri, Khowai, Gumti, Dharla and Dudhkumar rivers".

On the special economic zones (SEZ) for Indian business in Bangladesh, Modi appreciated Hasina for "assigning an area of 1,005 acres at Mirsarai for setting up an Indian SEZ."

It said that the two sides also agreed to celebrate 2018 as the Year of India in Bangladesh and the Year of Bangladesh in India in 2019.

Both sides also decided to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Bangaladesh's Liberation War in 2021 and 75th anniversary of India's independence in 2022.

--IANS

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