India and Bangladesh -- Points by EAM

India and Bangladesh have a natural propensity to work together in varied and diverse areas but let me look at just a few of them, today.

• First, as friendly neighbours that respect national sovereignty, we have sought to put behind us the threat of war and the recurrence of armed conflict. However, we face new challenges and non-traditional security threats. The rise of religious fundamentalism, extremism and terrorism are not unfamiliar to our region. Such forces sap away the strength of our societies, threaten our state systems and are an impediment to our advancement. India and Bangladesh have had good cooperation in fighting such forces. It is imperative that we continue to join hands to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Only then can we ensure that this creed will never gain ascendency and we shall secure for ourselves and our peoples the hope of stability, development, peace and prosperity.
• Second, I am hopeful that the outstanding land boundary issues between us will be resolved in the near future in a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable manner. Discussions are ongoing and I sense willingness on both sides to resolve this age old issue. The resolution of boundary and its demarcation will remove an impediment to our collaborative efforts for growth and development and enhanced people-to-people exchanges. 
• Third, we have expanded our understanding on water issues. We have a very good agreement on the sharing of the Ganga Waters which is being implemented sincerely by both sides. I am optimistic that we shall reach similar conclusion on the sharing of the Teesta and Feni waters. Between neighbours, it is necessary to deal with each other in a spirit of transparency and sincerity. As our populations grow, the demand for water, which is a vital resource, will also increase. However, I am positive that we shall find mutually acceptable and pragmatic solutions that meet the needs of our people while recognizing the need for mutual sacrifice in view of declining of flows due to climate change. 
• Fourth, I see a growing enthusiasm for trade and economic cooperation between the two sides. Both our economies are robust and have weathered the global economic downturn. I have noticed that our trade volumes are low and the share of our bilateral trade in the global context still remains small. The bulk of your imports from India are raw materials which are processed further in Bangladesh for exports. The priority should be to significantly increase the volumes of trade. I believe this can be made possible if we look at trade and investments in conjunction. Cross investments will not only provide gainful employment and production but will also lead to increased export earnings. A number of Indian corporate entities are looking forward to opportunities for investments in Bangladesh. If you can welcome them warmly it will be to mutual benefit. I also wish to point out that there is potential for Bangladesh investments in India. 
• Fifth, I would like to refer to the issue of connectivity. We live in a global community, interacting across borders. Technology and communication have made connectivity possible. In fact, not only do these flows improve efficiencies and provide access to goods and services across frontiers but they also bring improvement to the living conditions of people. We cannot deprive them this opportunity. Further, we should see connectivity in a dynamic concept of markets that are growing rapidly on both sides of the borders; in the north east of India, the growth could be even more rapid than the rest of India. As the pie expands on both sides, the opportunities for business also expand exponentially. Our economies are not fully integrated. I can visualise connectivity will spur economic growth and development on both sides of the border; it is not simply a flow of goods and services across frontiers in the context of transit. 
• Finally, I cannot but see the growth of this partnership without special attention being devoted to the cultural and educational dimension. India and Bangladesh are organising joint events to celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore. It will showcase the tremendous contribution of Tagore in areas such as women's empowerment and rural development, explore his contemporary relevance and rejoice in his intellectual genius. Tagore shows these issues remain relevant for us even today and he provides guidance towards realizing our true potential in the modern world.
  

I was in the University of Dhaka a short while ago to inaugurate the newly constructed Kalabhaban. India considers it a privilege to cooperate in this project. As you may know, a Tagore Chair in the University has also been established. An Indian Tagore scholar of great eminence will assume the seat of the first Chair next month. I am confident that this will enrich the dialogue between us and deepen exchanges and scholarship.