(a) whether the Government have any proposal to improve bilateral relations with Bangladesh;
(b) if so, the bilateral issues yet to be resolved between India and Bangladesh at present;
(c) the steps proposed to be taken to resolve and settle these issues; and
(d) the time by which these issues are likely to be resolved?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI AJIT KUMAR PANJA)
(a) to (d)
India and Bangladesh are close and friendly neighbours. All matters are discussed in a spirit of friendship and cooperation, with the objective of putting in place mutually satisfactory arrangements. The bilateral dialogue currently covers major aspects of economic cooperation including the restoration of multimodal communication links, enhancement of infrastructural facilities, ease of travel, trade issues, cooperation in the field of border management and security including the control of illegal cross-border movements, smuggling and crimes such as trafficking in women and children, and matters relating to demarcation of boundary. These are issues relating to regular interaction between the two countries and are part of a continuous dialogue.