Dhaka: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said India will provide Bangladesh a Line of Credit worth $2 billion as he held talks with his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina and both sides inked 22 agreements. In his media statement after talks with Hasina, Modi announced that connectivity between both sides will increase and India will provide a Line of Credit of $2 billion. He also said the inking of the Land Boundary Agreement reflects the “consensus in India on relations with Bangladesh” and added that he was confident that a solution on sharing of Teesta and other rivers could be arrived at with the support of state governments.
Referring to the LBA, Modi said both sides resolved “a question that has lingered since Independence. Our two nations have a settled boundary”. He said the ratification of the LBA “reflects consensus in India on relations with Bangladesh”. “We accepted the settlement of our maritime boundary last year”, which Modi said was evidence of their maturity in ties.
“We stand at a moment of huge opportunity in ties. We will work together to harness the rich potential in ties and address challenges in a spirit of friendship and position of mutual trust and confidence,” he said. Modi said water-sharing was a human issue, and affects life and livelihood. He said both countries had shown a political resolve and goodwill with the LBA. “I am confident that with the support of the state governments we can reach an agreement on the Teesta and Feni rivers.”
Sheikh Hasina in her statement termed it a “historic moment for Bangladesh” and that the visit would take bilateral ties on a higher trajectory. She said ratification of the LBA would resolve the problems of the people living in the enclaves for decades. “We are very grateful,” she said. She praised the leadership of Modi and said the LBA became possible under his leadership. She expressed thanks on behalf of the people of Bangladesh. Hasina said both sides had discussed all issues in an open manner and both leaders emphasised that connectivity was very important for the region.
