May 27, 2022
2 mins read

India, Bangladesh foreign ministers meet on key issues

The bilateral Joint Consultative Commission (JCC) meeting will help prepare the grounds for Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s planned visit to India, expected to take place early in July…reports Asian Lite News

External affairs minister S Jaishankar and his Bangladesh counterpart AK Abdul Momen will co-chair a meeting of the bilateral Joint Consultative Commission (JCC) in New Delhi on May 30 for a comprehensive review of relations between the two sides.

The meeting, being held after a gap of almost two years, is expected to take up the issue of sharing of river waters and connectivity initiatives between the two countries aimed at boosting commercial ties between Bangladesh and India’s northeastern states, they added.

The JCC meeting will also help prepare the grounds for Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s planned visit to India, which is expected to take place early in July, the people said.

Ahead of the JCC meeting, Jaishankar and Momen will both participate in the “NADI” (Natural Allies in Development and Interdependence) conclave being organised in Guwahati during May 28-29 with the backing of the external affairs ministry. The conclave is also being attended by senior diplomats and envoys of several countries that are members of Bimstec and Asean.

The last JCC meeting was held virtually in September 2020. Leaders of India and Bangladesh have described the current state of relations as a “golden chapter” and the relationship between the top leadership of both sides is very close.

Both countries have also launched several connectivity initiatives, especially the revival of rail links that were snapped by the 1965 India-Pakistan war and river routes that provide access to Bangladeshi ports for India’s northeastern states.

The Bangladeshi side is expected to bring up its long-standing demand for finalising an interim agreement for sharing the waters of the Teesta river. The people said the two sides are further expected to take up the early conclusion of arrangements on sharing the waters of six other joint rivers – Manu, Muhuri, Khowai, Gumti, Dharla and Dudhkumar.

The NADI conclave in Guwahati too will provide experts from India and Bangladesh to discuss the issue of cross-border rivers and make recommendations for the two governments.

Besides trade and connectivity, other issues that are expected to figure in the JCC meeting are security matters, development cooperation, and consular and cultural issues. The two sides are also expected to discuss ways to increase train services and flights to facilitate the large number of Bangladeshi travellers who come to India for both tourism and medical treatment.

ALSO READ-Imran’s long march enters Islamabad Red Zone

Previous Story

Thyagraj Stadium row: IAS couple transferred to Ladakh

Next Story

Bengal to replace Governor with CM as varsities’ Chancellor

Latest from Bangladesh

Khaleda Zia Returns to Bangladesh

As Khaleda Zia travelled to her Gulshan residence from the airport, hundreds of party workers lined the streets to welcome her return…reports Asian Lite News BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia Returns to Dhaka

Islamists Rise Under Yunus Rule

After the departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, Islamic parties in Bangladesh, crushed for years by the Awami League government, have made inroads into the political arena…writes Baidya

TIES WITH CHINA: Is Bangladesh Going Lanka Way?

Plans for nine Special Economic Zones, including Chinese-developed sites in Chattogram and Chandpur, promise jobs but risk creating enclaves where Beijing’s economic priorities overshadow Bangladesh’s….reports Asian Lite News On a humid March

Khaleda Zia’s Son Return Looms as Yunus Faces Heat

The core question remains whether Rahman can provide leadership in politically turbulent times in Bangladesh….reports Asian Lite News Speculation is mounting in Bangladesh over the possible return of Tarique Rahman, son of

Bangladesh Court Blocks Das’s Release 

In a dramatic turn, the Bangladesh High Court granted bail to Chinmoy Das in a sedition case, only for the government to swiftly appeal, leading the Supreme Court to stay the bail
Go toTop

Don't Miss

India and the US can roll back an aggressive PLA

Discussions need to begin, if they have not already, with

‘India-Guyana ties hold many possibilities’

Jaishankar who is on a three-day visit to Guyana addressed