Excerpts of the PM's interview to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha on the eve of his visit to Dhaka
On the Joint Communiqué with Sheikh Hasina in Jan 2010: The joint communiqué issued jointly by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and me at the end of her state visit to India in January 2010 was comprehensive and forward-looking. The focus on both sides has been to work together to expeditiously implement various initiatives outlined in the joint communiqué. I am satisfied with the implementation of those initiatives, but there is always scope to do much better.
I am encouraged by the fact that we have put in place a broad-based agenda of action covering every sector, whether it is political exchanges, trade and economic cooperation, power exchange, water resources, border management, education, cultural contacts, people-to-people exchanges, better border and transport infrastructure or connectivity. Some of the initiatives will have immediate impact, while others, by their nature, will take more time to make a difference. What is clear is that we have a blueprint and a roadmap and we are well on the way to its implementation.
On resolving longstanding issues: India has always valued its relations with Bangladesh based on sovereign equality and mutual respect. Besides several common features, our relationship is anchored in shared history and similar developmental aspirations. Our destines are interlinked. Hence it is natural for both sides to follow the path of close cooperation and partnership.
The Government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has shown the political will and desire to not only resolve longstanding issues, but to broaden the horizons of our cooperation. We hold the wishes of the people of Bangladesh in the highest esteem. I agree that both our countries have an historic opportunity before them to open a new chapter in the relationship. My visit to Bangladesh is a demonstration of India's readiness to do so.
About Bangladesh fears in offering transit facilities to India: This is entirely a sovereign decision for Bangladesh to take. We respect whatever decision Bangladesh takes. However, I see no reason for Bangladesh to be fearful of improving transport and infrastructure connectivity with India. There is a lot that can be done for the benefit of both countries in this regard, including through inland waterways.
I am extremely pleased that the Chief Ministers of the States neighbouring Bangladesh will be accompanying me to Bangladesh. Bangladesh can become the springboard for the development of India's North-East Regional economic integration has become the trend in all parts of the world. India has, for example, opened up rail and road routes for transit to link Nepal and Bhutan with Bangladesh. Nevertheless, we will move only at a pace with which Bangladesh is comfortable.
On Indian role in promoting economic development: Bangladesh has experienced sustained and high rates of economic growth under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. We commend her leadership. As a neighbouring country, we welcome and support the socio-economic advancement of Bangladesh. Bangladesh has taken major strides in women empowerment, child welfare, entrepreneurship and democracy at the grassroots level. Its social indicators have shown a constant and steady improvement. We are ready to render whatever assistance we can within our resources to enable Bangladesh to realise its enormous development potential.
India is ready to play its part in the building of a prosperous and peaceful South Asia. All our countries have a lot to learn from each other, and a lot to share. Our destinies are linked by geography and history. It is up to us to shape our future by cooperating and collaborating with each other. We would like India's economic growth to be seen as an opportunity by our neighbours, particularly Bangladesh. India will leave no stone unturned to promoting balanced, sustainable and inclusive development of the entire South Asia region.
On fighting terror: Security remains a common concern for both our countries. Terrorists and criminals do not respect any national borders. They pose a serious threat to peace, stability and prosperity of each and every country. It is therefore paramount importance that we work together to confront this challenge head on. We must not allow our territories to be used for activities inimical to interests of the other. I am happy that India and Bangladesh recognize this imperative and have been cooperating well in the recent past.
Message for the people of Bangladesh: The message that I have for the people of Bangladesh is that there is great affection, respect and regard for the people of Bangladesh in our country, and that it will be my effort to work with Her Excellency the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to strengthen our links in trade, in economy, in investment, in culture, in security matters, in every possible way that we have outlined in the joint communiqué which was issued in January, 2010.
If he, a vegetarian, were offered Hilsa: I am willing to break my vegetarian vow because I have heard about the delicious dish of hilsa fish. So, I am willing to make that exception.
On Bangladesh-India: I assure you. I was in Bangladesh very soon after Sheikh Sahib came to power in December 1971, I and Bangladesh officials, particularly Nurul Islam Sir who was then the Chairman of the Planning Commission, jointly worked out an economic vision of our relationship. Since that time I have been very much involved in the development of India-Bangladesh of relations, and it has been my effort to strengthen this relationship in every possible way. Our destinies are closely interlinked. Therefore, whatever I can do as Prime Minister of India to strengthen, widen, deepen our relationship with the friendly people and Government of Bangladesh, I will do all that is necessary.
