Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Wednesday said that Dhaka-Delhi ties were unique which was not comparable with bilateral relations between any other countries.
“Our ties are unique . . . we don’t look at what relationship are (Bangladesh has) with other countries when we are celebrating uniqueness of our own relationship with Bangladesh,” he said while replying to a question about increased Chinese involvement in Bangladesh at a media briefing after Indian President Ram Nath Kovind held talks with his Bangladesh counterpart M Abdul Hamid.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also called on him on the first day of his three-day visit.
Bangladesh rolled out a red carpet to welcome the Indian President, his wife Savita Kovind and daughter Swati Kovind along with an official delegation as he arrived here this morning on the occasion of the golden jubilee of Bangladesh and 50 years of Bangladesh, India ties.
India stood by Bangladesh during the Liberation War in 1971 and recognised the country even 10 days before the final victory on December 16.
Foreign Secretary Shringla, who previously served as Indian high commissioner in Dhaka, said both countries have reached the 'high point' of relationship while New Delhi never sees Dhaka through the prism of other countries.
He said Bangladesh and India made exponential increase in bilateral ties and achieved “incredible success” in resolving “intractable issues in most amicable manner”.
"In (next) 10 years you will see very changed countries (Bangladesh and India) . . . the cooperation we have is very important,” he said, adding “we both are aspiring nations”.
He said New Delhi was looking for collaboration in cutting edge issues like green technology, renewable energy, IT and digital platform to create employment opportunities for youth.
“Certainly we are looking to the future as per as the next 50 years concern... we are looking at dynamic growth.".
Asked what would be India’s response if Dhaka decided to join the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD), a strategic platform of the United States, India, Japan and Australia, Shringla said, “it is sovereign decision of Bangladesh”.
“The nature of Qaud itself is to work with other countries in partnership and that partnership, Bangladesh is an important partner,” he said.
The Indian foreign secretary said Indian president discussed broad ranges of bilateral relationship with spirit of 1971 and legacy of Bangabandhu during his meeting with Bangladesh premier today.
Asked about the updates on India’s stance on Rohingya crisis Shringla said, India always called for sustainable speedy return of displaced Rohingya people to Rakhine state of Myanmar.
Replying a question on border killing, the foreign secretary said the highest level of the two countries leadership was sincere to ensure a peaceful frontier.
He told the newsmen that India’s Border Security Force’s (BSF) director general was scheduled to visit Bangladesh on December 19 next to discuss the issue.
About the tentative Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to India at the invitation of her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, Shringla said, both the countries were working to find a date convenient for both the sides through the diplomatic channel.
Meanwhile, on Thursday, on the second day of the visit, the Indian president will join as the "Guest of Honor" the National Parade Ground function to mark the golden jubilee of the Victory Day of Bangladesh.
In the afternoon, he will take part in a function titled "Great Victory Heroes" in the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban to pay respect to Bangladesh's Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and to celebrate the joy of victory.
Before leaving Dhaka on Friday, the Indian president is scheduled to inaugurate and inspect the newly renovated section of Kali Temple.
Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Vikrame Doraiswami conducted the media briefing.
