(a) whether Indo-Bangladesh Foreign Secretary level talks was held in the recent past;
(b) if so, the details of various issues discussed in the said meeting;
(c) the reaction of Bangladesh on the points raised by India;
(d) the details of the decision taken and agreements signed on the occasion; and
(e) the mutual benefits likely to accrue as a result of these agreements?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI PRANAB MUKHERJEE)
(a) Yes. The Indo-Bangladesh Foreign Secretary-level talks were held in Dhaka on June
25-26, 2007.
(b) & (c) The two Foreign Secretaries held constructive and forward-looking discussions
on issues relating to security, peaceful management of borders, water resources, economic and
trade matters, cultural relations and regional cooperation. The two sides emphasised the need
for enhanced security cooperation. The Bangladesh side reiterated their commitment not to
allow their territory to be used in any manner for activities inimical to India. Both sides
also expressed their commitment to facilitate the early resolution of remaining land boundary
issues between the two countries. Discussions in the area of water resources included sharing
of common river waters, minor irrigation and drinking water schemes, data on flood forecasting
and warning, dredging and riverbank protection works. The need to improve rail, road, river
and air connectivity between the two countries was also underlined. It was agreed to hold
the Home Secretary-level talks and Joint Committee of Experts headed by Water Resources
Secretaries at an early date.
(d) & (e) Both sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding between Bureau of Indian
Standards (BIS) and Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institute (BSTI) to facilitate technical
cooperation in the fields of standardisation, certification, testing, measurement and
quality assurance systems.