Bangladesh, India more than neighbours: Piyush Goyal

Indian state minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday Bangladesh and India are more than neighbours and have a lot of shared interests, and “significant engagement”.

While talking to the Bangladeshi media delegation, the Indian state minister underscored the need for working together to ensure peace and stability in the region.

Bangladeshi media delegation, now in India to cover prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s four-day India trip beginning from Friday, met Piyush Goyal, Minister of State with Independent Charge for Power, Coal, New and Renewable Energy and Mines, at his office.

“To my mind, we are more than neighbours and two countries have a lot of shared interests. We can work together for the peace and stability of the region as equals, as friends,” said Piyush Goyal.

The Indian leader also said they are very sure that Hasina’s India trip will once again strengthen the bilateral relations and take them to the next level.

“And the forthcoming visit, we're all very eagerly looking forward to the dialogue in this visit.”

He said: “We have significant engagement and have expanded our cooperation. In the days to come we want work even more together.

“On the geo-political front we do have an unparalleled success story, particularly in the area of border accord.

“We can learn both from each example of your Grameenbank and your success story in textiles. So there are different areas of cooperation where the two countries have expanded,” he added.

The Indian politician also spoke of fighting against terrorismtogether.  

“In our fight against terrorism, both countries have shared interests and shared philosophy.”

Referring to the killing of an Indian girl in the much touted Holey Artisan restaurant incident, he said: “Despite the unfortunate incident, her family and everybody all praised for the support and cooperation provided by the Bangladesh authorities, there's no criticism at all."

“When you are upset, you naturally tend to criticize the establishment, but the family has really speaken very high about the authorities in Bangladesh," he added.

Source: Prothom Alo