New Delhi, June 20 (FN Agency) Amid Bangladesh facing the fury of monsoon floods, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday conveyed India’s support and solidarity at the unprecedented flooding in northern Bangladesh and also offered assistance in the management of flood and relief efforts. Delivering his opening remarks at the 7th JCC meeting in New Delhi, Jaishankar said: “We would also like to convey our support and solidarity at the unprecedented flooding that we have had in Northern Bangladesh.” He said India’s North East has also been hit by floods. “We are now sharing flood management data for an extended period. I would like to take the opportunity to convey that if in any concrete way, we can be of assistance to you in the management of flood and relief efforts, we would be very glad to be supportive. It would be in keeping with our relationship.” Jaishankar said the two sides share 54 rivers. “Comprehensive management of our rivers and their conservation, as well as the shared environment responsibility that we have, especially the Sundarbans.
These are really areas that we need to work together as part of our commitment to climate action.” He said the better management of the long India-Bangladesh border is a key priority. “Our Border Guarding Forces is committed to combating trans-border crimes. We must continue to work together to make sure that the border remains crime-free.” On sub-regional cooperation, he said: “On a larger landscape, we both have a commitment to a prosperous and connected sub-region. We have been working together on a BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement. “And we also look at subregional cooperation in power, especially, hydropower. We are both the largest producer and consumer of energy in the region. And we would be very happy to work with Bangladesh to structure a progressive partnership in the areas of production, transmission and trade. I would also like to congratulate you, Excellency, for your overall very splendid economic performance,” the EAM said.
He said the two sides now look forward to working together to take ties to new domains like – Artificial Intelligence, cyber security, startups, Fintech. Jaishankar said the bilateral ties reflect the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. “We are truly at a Shonali Adhyaya.” “Today Bangladesh is our largest development partner, it is our largest trade partner in the region; it is our largest visa operation overseas. And that really underlines every aspect of our cooperation. And we in turn, are your largest export destination in Asia. I am glad to see that your exports have doubled to USD 2 billion this year. “ He referred to other landmarks this year including the launch of the trailer of the jointly-produced biopic, ‘Mujib: The Making of a Nation’, at the Cannes Film Festival; the Bangabandhu Chair at Delhi University; the Bangabandhu-Bapu digital exhibition; the improvement in project delivery and disbursement; the inauguration of the Maitri Bridge over River Feni; the start of the third passenger train, Mitali Express despite the Covid-19. “And all these really reflect the relationship that is now on a higher trajectory.”