Dhaka, Delhi need to wait for amicable solution to Teesta: India
Dhaka: Bangladesh and India need to wait for a mutually acceptable solution to Teesta water sharing issue as both the tested friends will have to survive and prosper together, said the Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka Pankaj Saran on Thursday.
‘I think we have to wait for a solution to emerge and that solution, when emerges, naturally has to depend on mutual acceptability of both countries,’ Pankaj Saran told DCAB Talks at the national Press Club in the city.
Enunciating some principles on the basis of which any agreement on Teesta will have to take place, the Indian diplomat said any formula and any draft has to have ‘burden sharing, equity and consensus.’
‘Once the solution arrives, it’ll become known to you and me and everyone else on what basis the solution has come,’ he added.
Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh president Masud Karim and general secretary Bashir Ahmed were also present at the programme.
Saran said India is committed to Teesta and implementation of Land Boundary Agreement (LBA), and they are working on completing their internal procedures at the earliest.
Further on water sharing issues, he said they have to share the burden of scarcity of resources. ‘Water is a major challenge for both of our countries as well as for this entire region. We have to find ways to manage this precious resource, to share it and to make the best possible use of what we have’.
Since this is a resource which affects millions of people, both countries have to share the pain and find equitable solutions which will involve burden sharing and that have broad consensus among all stakeholders, he added.
When asked to evaluate the last three months’ political situation in Bangladesh, Saran said India does not evaluate situations in other countries.
‘We’re busy with our own country and do not evaluate situations in other countries.’
He said India is committed to playing its role in ensuring that Bangladesh and India grow and prosper together, in an atmosphere of peace, stability and mutual security and mutual benefit.
‘Our two countries are united by geography, history and culture. We have to survive and prosper together. This relationship is far too important for both countries,’ said the diplomat adding that the potential for further expansion of relations is huge.
On security issue, the Indian High Commissioner said a strong, stable and prosperous Bangladesh is not only in the interest of Bangladesh but also in the interest of India, the region and beyond.
‘Our security is mutual. Cooperating on security issues does not imply that we’re sacrificing our sovereignty, or reducing our policy options. In fact, cooperation in combating criminal, insurgent, terror, smuggling and trafficking activities is the best way to enhance national strength,’ he added.
He mentioned that India and Bangladesh are natural partners, and have to solve problems themselves.
‘The more we cooperate and connect the better we both do. At the same time, we should respect each other's differences and way of life’.
On second line of credit (LoC), Saran said the MEA Secretary’s visit was very useful to review the current line of credit.
She has indicated that India is willing to look at into offering the second line of credit and terms and conditions are not finalised, he added.
‘These are still under discussions but she has indicated willingness that the government of India to participate in further projects based on the line of credit,’ Saran said.
Asked whether the similar initiative on motor vehicles agreement taken by the Saarc and four Saarc member countries will be conflicting one, he said actually because of objection raised by one of the member states, the agreement could not be signed.
‘Subsequent to that four countries decided to move ahead without waiting for the objection and inability to sign. Now if it is the case we’re moving forward within the Saarc framework, then that would be a very good step also,’ Saran said.
He said all the countries will have to consult with each other and decide on which is the optimum way forward to arrive at a motor vehicle agreement.
‘We’ll have to just wait and watch how this process unfolds.’
The Indian High Commissioner said Bangladesh and India should continue to broaden relationship in terms of sectors and in terms of involving wider cross sections of society.
‘We should address each other's core interests, and be sensitive to each other's aspirations. We should listen to each other better. We should make life for the innocent and law abiding citizen easier,’ he said.
Saran said both the countries should make further progress in sub-regional and regional cooperation, and work together on global issues.
‘Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal or BBIN met in February to finalise a Motor Vehicles Agreement, and the same four countries held the second round of discussions on power/hydropower cooperation, trade, transit and connectivity.’