Harsh Vardhan Shringla, the former High Commissioner of India in Dhaka, also served as the Foreign Secretary of India. He is currently performing the duty of G20 Chief Coordinator.
The senior diplomat has recently given an interview to Bangladesh Pratidin’s Special Correspondent in New Delhi.
Bangladesh Pratidin: How do you evaluate Bangladesh-India relations?
Harsh Vardhan Shringla: We can say with satisfaction that this relationship is the strongest today. The relation is a strength for both countries. Bangladesh-India relations are now a symbol of cooperation between the two neighbouring countries in the world. If Latin American countries to see an ideal relationship between the two neighbouring countries, then they should look at us. This is a relationship which everyone should study closely, and this we have achieved in the last 10 years.
Bangladesh Pratidin: What factors have transformed the Bangladesh-India relationship into a symbol in the last 10 years?
Harsh Vardhan Shringla: We have advanced in the last 50 years. But the most progress has been made in 10 years. Now we say the "Golden Chapter" of our relationship is going on. Special efforts are going on under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to bring back the relationship between the two countries from 1971 to 1975.
The main difference between our relations now and before 1975 is that we have versatile partnerships in every sector. Both countries and the people have benefited from it. A high-speed diesel transmission line from India to Bangladesh is being set up. India exports electricity to Bangladesh. Both countries give transit and transhipment facilities to each other. The most important factor is, the attitudes of the two countries have changed a lot.
Bangladesh Pratidin: There is no immediate progress in water sharing of the common rivers. What is your opinion?
Harsh Vardhan Shringla: An agreement was signed during Sheikh Hasina’s recent India visit about the Kushiyara river water. This is big progress. According to the joint statement, India and Bangladesh will work with more rivers. I think water cooperation should only not focus on distribution, but also the point of view of information sharing, pollution and navigability. There are some other issues. We have to work together with 54 common rivers.
Bangladesh Pratidin: What India expects from the future governments of Bangladesh?
Harsh Vardhan Shringla: Any kind of instability in a neighbouring country will affect India. Similarly, if there is unrest in India, it will affect you (Bangladesh). I think we need to fight against extremism and terrorism which are the barriers to the signs of progress of the two countries. I am not talking about political parties, rather, I am talking about destructive evil forces.
After assuming power, the government of Sheikh Hasina decided to extradite Indian rebel groups from Bangladesh. She has a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism. We have made the land boundary agreement and resolved the maritime boundary disputes during her government. India has provided major development assistance to Bangladesh.
Peace and stability are very important for a country and a region. We should not allow such a situation to increase strife, extremism and division. It should not be supported at any stage.
Bangladesh Pratidin: Conflict is going on in Myanmar on the Bangladesh border. There were already problems in the Rakhine state. How much risk is it creating for regional security and stability?
Harsh Vardhan Shringla: We are also concerned about the situation in Myanmar. As a democratic country, India has some obligations. We share a border with Bangladesh and Myanmar. We have good relations with both countries. We will do everything we can with our partners.
Bangladesh Pratidin: A political side in Bangladesh expects India's neutral role at various times. What do you say about this?
Harsh Vardhan Shringla: India's foreign policy is to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other states and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. India always follows it.
I think India has no plan to engage with other countries internal politics. As a citizen, I don't think India wants or has made such a job.
Bangladesh Pratidin: You are Chief G20 Coordinator. What is the goal of India as the Chair of G20?
Harsh Vardhan Shringla: India is scheduled to chair the G20 for the first time. It is an alliance of the world's most powerful countries. Developed and emerging countries are its members. I think becoming the G20 Chair is a unique opportunity for India. It will allow India to present its practical agenda on the international stage.
Bangladesh Pratidin: India will take over the Chair of G20 at a time when there is unrest in the world due to various crises including the Ukraine-Russia war. How does India play a role as the Chair of G20 in this situation?
Harsh Vardhan Shringla: Like other countries, India is also putting pressure to resolve the crisis. This conflict should be stopped. There should be a peaceful solution through diplomacy and dialogue.
@The article appeared on print and online versions of The Bangladesh Pratidin on September 28, 2022, and has been rewritten in English by Tanvir Raihan and Golam Rosul.
