Narendra Modi hopeful on Teesta river

Dhaka: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a fresh $2 billion line of credit for Bangladesh and promised quick implementation of the earlier line of credit of $800 million and full disbursement of $200 million.

The highlight of Mr Modi’s first day here was the exchange of documents related to the Land Boundary Agreement (LBA), which paves the way for exchange of territories to settle the 41-year-old border dispute which has been an irritant. Under the agreement, 111 border enclaves will be transferred to Bangladesh in exchange for 51 that will become part of India.

“The visit is at a historic moment. We have resolved a question that has lingered since Independence. Our two nations have a settled boundary. It will make our borders more secure and people’s life there more stable,” Mr Modi said at a joint press interaction with Ms Hasina.

Referring to the unanimous passage of the LBA by Parliament last month, he said it “reflects the consensus in India on relations with Bangladesh”.

Noting that the two countries had accepted the settlement of the maritime boundary last year, he said, “It is evidence of the maturity of our ties and our shared commitment to international rules. So, we stand at a moment of huge opportunity in our relationship.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in a meeting in Dhanmondi, Dhaka on Saturday. (Photo: PTI)

Mr Modi said connectivity between India and Bangladesh byroad, rail, rivers, sea, transmission lines, petroleum pipelines and digital links will increase. During the talks, it was decided that Indian missions would be opened in Khulna and Sylhet while a Bangladeshi mission will be opened in Guwahati.

Referring to the Teesta water issue which remains unresolved, Mr Modi Modi exuded confidence of reaching a “fair solution” to the long-pending Teesta and Feni rivers water sharing issues with Bangladesh. “Water-sharing is, above all, a human issue,” he said.