India, Bangladesh coordinate flood relief efforts

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar at the 7th Round of India-Bangladesh Joint Consultative Commission showed solidarity with visiting Bangladesh foreign minister AK Abdul Momen at the unprecedented flooding in Northern Bangladesh and said that India is ready to assist the country with the relief efforts.

"We would also like to convey our support and solidarity at the unprecedented flooding that we have had in Northern Bangladesh. We have also had in North-East. We are now sharing flood management data for an extended period. I would like to take the opportunity to convey that if in any concrete way, we can be of assistance to you in the management of flood and relief efforts, we would be very glad to be supportive. It would be in keeping with our relationship," said Jaishankar in the opening remarks. Jaishankar and Momen last met in the inaugural session of the NADI conference 2022 "Asian Confluence River Conclave 2022" at Radisson Blu in Guwahati. "I think that was really something that both of us were able to demonstrate in many ways, outside Delhi and outside our Capitals, how good our relationship is," said Jaishankar recalling his meeting with the counterpart in Guwahati.

"It is our frequent meetings that underline our unique friendship. And of course, the 50th year of our ties has been particularly momentous, with both our President and our Prime Minister visiting Bangladesh on the 50th Bijoy Diwas and on your 50th National Day. And we have actually marked "Maitree Diwas" in 18 cities worldwide, which is something very unique apart from New Delhi and Dhaka," he added.

Jaishankar said that the ties between India and Bangladesh reflect the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

This is the first physical meeting since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out. The previous meeting was held in 2020 virtually.

(ANI)