India indicates delay

Indicating there will be a delay in signing the much-awaited Teesta river water sharing agreement, New Delhi yesterday asked Dhaka to have patience and trust in India while the two share the pain and formulate a draft, which must have "burden sharing, equity and consensus".

"I think we (Bangladesh and India) have to wait for a solution to emerge and that...naturally has to depend on mutual acceptability," Indian envoy in Dhaka Pankaj Saran told a "DCAB Talk" Diplomatic Correspondents Association Bangladesh (DCAB) organised in the capital's Jatiya Press Club.

"Water is a major challenge for both of our countries as well as for this entire region. We have to find ways to manage this precious resource, to share it and to make the best possible use of what we have," he said.

On the land boundary agreement's implementation, he said India was committed and working on completing internal procedures.

On India's take on Bangladesh's political stalemate, Pankaj said, "We are busy with our own country and do not evaluate situations in other countries."

On security issues, he said cooperating does not imply "sacrificing our sovereignty, or reducing our policy options".

"In fact, cooperation in combating criminal, insurgent, terror, smuggling and trafficking activities is the best way to enhance national strength," he added.

Over providing a second line of credit, Pankaj said, "The terms and conditions are not finalised...

"These are still under discussions but the MEA (Ministry of External Affairs) secretary (during her recent visit) has indicated willingness...to participate in further infrastructure projects".

On an agreement allowing seamless transit of passenger, personal and cargo vehicles through designated routes in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal without transshipment, he said it was at a "highly advanced stage" and expected to be signed at a meeting of the transport ministers soon.

On whether this sub-regional pact will be in conflict with a similar South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) initiative, he said the agreement could not be signed for objections a Saarc member raised.

"Now if it is the case we are moving forward within the Saarc framework, then that would be a very good step also," he observed. The agreement has provisions to incorporate more Saarc nations.

On the Indian and Bangladesh prime ministers visiting each other's country, he said both Narendra Modi, who was keen to come on a tour, and Sheikh Hasina had accepted invitations and the countries were trying to find "mutually convenient dates".

"I am hopeful that whenever such a visit takes place, you will find that it will contribute positively to this relationship," added Pankaj.

He also spoke on issues starting from border killing, special economic zone, travel and investment and visa problems.

DCAB General Secretary Bashir Ahmed gave the welcome address with President Masud Karim in the chair while Indian High Commission First Secretary (Press and Information) Siddhartha Chattopadhyay was also present.