Bangladesh-India relation deeper than any strategic partnership: Shringla

Indian foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla has said that India-Bangladesh relations today are deeper than any other strategic partnership and it is a “role model” for relations between two neighbouring countries.

“Contemporary India-Bangladesh relations have taken great strides forward, especially in recent years... two major pillars of Indian diplomacy -- Neighbourhood First and Act East Policies -- find expression in India’s vibrant ties with Bangladesh,” he said.

Shringla, the former Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh made the remarks at the Swarnim Vijay Varsh Conclave: 2021 on “Humanitarian, Political and Diplomatic Facets of the 1971 War” on Saturday.

He said the spirit of friendship, understanding and mutual respect engendered during the liberation of Bangladesh continues to permeate different aspects of this relationship.

India and Bangladesh share a ‘Sonali Adhyay’ (golden era) under the visionary leadership of prime minister Narendra Modi and prime minister Sheikh Hasina for bringing stability and prosperity to people on both sides of the border, he added.

“Realising the full potential of this partnership would require the continued convergence of strategic, economic and political outlook on both sides as was the case fifty years ago,” he added.

Shringla said this year is of special significance for India-Bangladesh relations as it marks the Golden Jubilee of the Liberation War of Bangladesh, the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the 50th anniversary of India-Bangladesh diplomatic ties.

“India-Bangladesh relations today are in many ways a continuation of the events that defined the course of history 50 years ago. Muktijoddhas still act as a bridge between the two countries,” he added.

Foreign secretary Shringla lauded Indian Air Force saying the IAF played a crucial role in supporting the vibrant struggle of the “Mukti Bahini” (freedom fighters). “1971 was indeed a war for justice over cruel tyranny, a quest for hope in the midst of despair and a catharsis achieved through Dharmayudh,” he added.