At the concluding function of his official visit to Bangladesh organized at the Bangabandhu International Convention Centre in Dacca, Prime Minister Modi touched on a number of subjects of common interest to both India and Bangladesh. He primarily underscored the success of his visit since there was adequate reciprocity from his counterpart Sheikh Hasina, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. A few points to which he alluded give a peep into India’s perception of the type of relationship she wants to develop with the neighbouring states. For example, he said that Pakistan can think of nothing except indulging in futile hostility against India by promoting terrorism on the border. This has consumed so many innocent lives on both sides and to no gain to Pakistan whatsoever except that it wants to perpetuate its menacing activities. Likewise in an indirect reference to China, the Prime Minister said that the era of “expansionism” was over. We know that China is obsessed with lust for expansionism, a malaise with which it has been suffering since long. Modi rightly said that this was the era of development and not of expansionism. He congratulated Bangladesh Prime Minister for focusing on the need for development and asserted that in this case, India and Bangladesh were of same thinking.
The two countries have signed no fewer than 22 agreements that refer to cooperation and collaboration in a number of developmental tasks aimed at raising the living standard of the people in both the countries. A major achievement of this visit has been the settlement of 41-year old border dispute between the two countries which in the words of a journalist is akin to the fall of Berlin Wall. Modi is very right in saying that the real task for the two neighbouring countries begins now with more responsibility and more expectations from the people.
It will be remembered that there was a time when in Bangladesh extremists had begun to dominate the political scene and some foreign countries thought they could use the situation to intensify hostility against our country. At that time India did protest loudly and warned the then Bangladesh Government that it should not allow its soil to be used for any activity which is inimical to India. In their joint press conference, Bangladesh Prime Minister publicly said that Bangladesh would not allow her soil to be used against India and would also cooperate actively with India in eradicating the menace of terrorism. Like India, Bangladesh also realizes that terrorism is the biggest challenge to humanity in contemporary times. Therefore, all peace loving nations would want to strengthen anti-terrorism mechanism and work towards peace and stability. India had offered her hand for cooperation to the SAARC countries and that is why they were invited when Modi took the oath of office. But despite that, Pakistan has not changed its inimical attitude towards India. In recent months, Pakistan based terrorists have increased their infiltration bids along the cease fire line especially in Kupwara district in North Kashmir and according to reliable information 200 heavily armed terrorists are waiting in the Neelam Valley to sneak into our side. This challenge has to be met. India does not need to prove to the world community that she is dedicated to peace and would want to follow the norms set forth by the international community for reinforcing cordial and good relations with all countries in the region. India had returned 93.000 POW to Pakistan during 1972 war. India signed the Shimla Agreement in which both countries committed to resolve their disputes through negotiations and eschew the use of force. But then Pakistan embarked on the adventure in Kargil and also broke the cease fire agreement of 2003 in LoC and the 26/11 in Mumbai. These are clear indications that Pakistan has no will to live as a peaceful country in the region.
Modi exhorted the world community that keeping India out of the Security Council was unjustifiable. India had made huge sacrifices in last two World Wars which were begun by the European powers. India had sacrificed her soldiers when she agreed to work as peace maintaining force in war-torn regions of the world. India had made significant contribution to the stabilization of democracy in the Asian Continent and India has been the signatory to most of international conventions and undertakings whether through the agency of the UN or other alignments. In reference to her population, size, economy, commitment to democratic norms and above all in the light of her vast efforts for contributing to the culture of peace and humanism, India has a right to be a permanent member of the Security Council.
Prime Minister Modi’s maiden visit to Bangladesh has been a path-breaking visit and the space has been created for the two countries to begin an era of cooperation in many developmental enterprises. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has very rightly said that with India, it is not only “pas pas” but also “sath sath”. The Prime Minister has very rightly said that the real work begins now. Border issue has been resolved and resolving the issue of sharing the waters of Teesta is on the anvil. Irritants are removed and path is made smooth for both the countries to begin a new era of relationship.
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