External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said that in India’s neighbourhood first policy Bangladesh presents the model relationship.

He said, our partnership has transcended strategic partnership and it had attained a new level. Mr Jaishankar was addressing the media after holding bilateral discussion with the Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Dr A K Abdul Momen in Dhaka today. During the talks both the countries discussed a gamut of issues of mutual interest.

Dr Jaishankar said, the purpose of this visit is to affirm the strong relationship between the two countries and also to prepare for the forthcoming visit of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India. The External Affairs Minister said that the partnership between the two countries will benefit by controlling terror, crime and extremism.

Dr Jaishankar said, increased connectivity in rail, road and air benefits both sides. India will step up the relationship in this sector and realise all the potential it offers.  He said, India and Bangladesh will take forward their relationship in the energy sector as well.

He said India looks forward to a mutually acceptable formula on water sharing of common rivers between the two countries. Talking about people to people ties the Minister said, India wants a seamless travel arrangement to be in place between the two countries. Speaking about Rohingya refugees he said, India wants a safe, sustainable and speedy return of the displaced persons which is in the interest of all three countries. Mr Jaishankar said, India is ready to provide more assistance to the displaced persons in Bangladesh.  He said, India is willing to help Bangladesh in realising it’s development goals. He said, India Bangladesh ties are in their golden phase thanks to the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and Sheikh Hasina. Earlier visiting the Bangabandhu memorial museum in Dhaka the minister said in a tweet that India is proud to partner with Bangladesh to fulfil the vision of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Dr Jaishankar will call on Prime Minister Hasina later in the afternoon today. He will leave for Kathmandu tomorrow in the morning.