India and Bangladesh Reiterate Commitment to a Free, Open, Inclusive, and Secure Indo-Pacific
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India and Bangladesh Reiterate Commitment to a Free, Open, Inclusive, and Secure Indo-Pacific
In a significant move to bolster regional cooperation, India and Bangladesh have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a free, open, inclusive, secure, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region. This pledge was solidified during a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart, Sheikh Hasina, during her two-day state visit to India.
Co-Leading Disaster Risk Reduction and Management
A key outcome of the meeting was the decision for India and Bangladesh to co-lead the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management pillar of the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI). The joint statement emphasized the importance of mitigating disaster risks, building disaster-resilient infrastructure, and ensuring the sustainability of the shared maritime region in the face of climate change.
Enhancing Bilateral Cooperation
The two nations underscored the necessity of enhancing their bilateral cooperation across various sectors, envisioning a "deeper and higher quality relationship" based on mutual trust and benefit. They committed to strengthening trade and investment linkages, with plans for early negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the operationalization of two Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Bangladesh, specifically in Mongla and Mirsharai.
Regional and Global Collaboration
Recognizing their roles in regional stability, India and Bangladesh pledged to work together on global platforms to promote their common interests, especially those of the Global South. They aim to become major anchors for regional and sub-regional integration under frameworks such as BIMSTEC, SAARC, and IORA.
Strengthening Defence Cooperation
Defence cooperation between the two countries is set to deepen, with a long-term perspective on multifaceted military engagements, including exercises, training, and capability development. The joint statement highlighted the importance of defence industrial cooperation to modernize the Bangladesh Armed Forces, enhancing their capabilities.
Water Resource Management
Water resource management remains a critical aspect of the bilateral relationship. India and Bangladesh have agreed to prioritize data exchange and formulate a framework for the renewal of the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty of 1996. Additionally, they plan to undertake the conservation and management of the Teesta River in Bangladesh with Indian assistance.
Significant Bilateral Visit
Sheikh Hasina's visit, the first incoming bilateral state visit following Prime Minister Modi’s third consecutive term, underscores the importance of India-Bangladesh relations. The visit included her attendance at Modi’s swearing-in ceremony, highlighting the close ties between the two nations.
Conclusion
The reaffirmation of India and Bangladesh's commitment to a free, open, inclusive, and secure Indo-Pacific, along with their plans for enhanced cooperation, signifies a strengthened partnership. This collaboration aims to ensure regional stability, economic growth, and shared prosperity, addressing both immediate and long-term challenges.
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