Dhaka-Delhi relations will always remain special and unique: Pranab

-File Photo

Indian President Pranab Mukherjee has said India-Bangladesh relations is a good example of progress in looking at a shared future. India-Bangladesh relations today are the best ever since 1974.  They are based on mutual benefit, equality and respect for sovereignty.He was speaking at the Cavalry Memorial Lecture organized by the Cavalry Officers’ Association on 18 November in New Delhi. He said that India and Bangladesh are not just neighbours. Both are bound by the threads of history, religion, culture, language and kinship.  India attaches the highest importance to bilateral relations with Bangladesh.

Pranab Mukherjee said Indian investments in Bangladesh will help to create jobs and upgrade technology.  These will make Bangladesh economy more competitive and increase exports. Indian investments in Bangladesh will help to create jobs and upgrade technology.  These will make Bangladesh economy more competitive and increase exports. It is for this reason that the two Governments have agreed to cooperate to set up an Indian Special Economic Zone in Bangladesh.  This is another big step forward towards restoring historic connections between our business communities, which will serve both well.

The Indian President said Bangladesh and India must come together as large consumers to develop and purchase cheap and clean energy. There is huge untapped potential to develop renewable energy like solar and wind.

Pranab Mukherjee said connectivity is the catalyst for deeper engagement. We have launched three bus services that will connect our citizens more easily. Connectivity by road, rail, rivers, sea, transmission lines, petroleum pipelines and digital links must increase. Regional connectivity and cooperation between Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal must also be deepened. Mutually beneficial arrangements allowing movement of goods from Bangladesh through India to Nepal and Bhutan and from mainland India through Bangladesh to India’s North-east have been worked out. These are significant steps forward which have been enabled by the close cooperation and frequent interaction of senior leaders of the two countries.

The Indian President also said that countries must move towards greater economic integration. South Asia should become an integrated market. A seamless assembly line as well as regional value chains for global markets should be created.

Bangladesh and Indian businessmen are already collaborating in fields such as readymade garments, textiles, leather and pharmaceuticals. There exists huge potential for doing same in food processing, light engineering goods, ship building and auto components, the Indian President stressed.