Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing a joint press conference in Dhaka
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today reached out to Bangladesh in an emotional speech, saying his first visit to the neighbouring country since he took office last year is a "special" moment for him.
"We are two nations that are bound by religion, culture, language and passion for cricket" he said at a joint press conference with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka.
PM Modi lauded political parties back home for their co-operation in the ratification of the Land Boundary Agreement. "It reflects the consensus in India on relations with Bangladesh. This is evidence of maturity of ties and commitment between the two nations".
This agreement will now allow thousands of people living in border enclaves to choose their nationality and enjoy benefits like ordinary citizens.
PM Modi also said that the agreements signed today between the two countries on human trafficking, fake currency and maritime security will go a long way in boosting ties. He will also open new economic doors for India's North East region, to integrate South Asia and enable both countries to become "fellow travellers on the road to development".
Apart from extending a credit line of USD two billion (nearly Rs 13,000 crore), PM Modi wants to double power supply from India to Bangladesh from 500 MW to 1100 MW in the next two years.
He said he was also confident that with the support of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the two nations would be able to reach an agreement on sharing waters of the Teesta and Feni rivers soon. West Bengal government is yet to agree on a formula for equitable sharing of water from the rivers with Bangladesh.
Ms Banerjee has travelled to Dhaka as part of the PM's delegation. She was present at the flagging off of the Kolkata-Dhaka-Agartala bus service, the signing of the Land Boundary Agreement, and will attend a banquet hosted by Sheikh Hasina tonight before returning to India.
At the joint press conference with PM Modi Sheikh Hasina said, "This is truly a historic moment. We are transforming our relationship to a greater height. We understand each other's concerns and priorities."