Relations with Bangladesh cemented for Hasina govt
Says Indian foreign secretary
India has said there is "enhanced trust and mutual confidence in its relations with Bangladesh", which have improved significantly with the Sheikh Hasina government assuming power two years ago.
Addressing the International Institute of Strategic Studies in London Monday (June 27), Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao, dwelling on India's relations with its neighbours, said, "With Bangladesh, with which we share the longest border among any of our neighbours, relations have improved significantly over the last two years."
"Our dialogue has yielded benefits for both countries, in a people-centred manner that stresses trade, connectivity, easier transit, development, and the enhancement of mutual security cooperation against insurgency and terrorism. There is enhanced trust and mutual confidence that oxygenates our relationship", she said.
Rao said India's neighbourhood policy "emphasises the advantages of building networks of inter-connectivity, trade, and investment so that prosperity can be shared and the region can benefit from India's rapid economic growth and rising prosperity".
"We want to create an environment with our neighbours, which enables us to work together to pursue our common objectives of economic development", she added. She said India has adopted "an asymmetrical and non-reciprocal approach" in strengthening Saarc "where we are willing to go the extra mile in order to strengthen regional cooperation".
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