Visiting Indian Defence Minister Manohar Gopalkrishna Prabhu Parrikar yesterday stressed the need for joint efforts to strengthen military ties between Bangladesh and India.

The Indian minister expressed the view when he met President Abdul Hamid at the Bangabhaban.

Manohar said terrorism is a global problem and India has been working to establish regional peace.

Welcoming the minister to the Bangabhaban, the president said Bangladesh follows “zero tolerance policy” in combating terrorism in all its forms.

He expressed condolences for the dastardly terrorist attacks on the Indian army base at Uri, Kashmir and on the Indian Air Force Base at Pathankot.

President's Press secretary Joynal Abedin briefed reporters after the meeting.

Bangladesh and India enjoy excellent bilateral relations, said Hamid, adding, the ties are expanding gradually.

He urged the Indian minister to ensure sending more Indian military officials to Bangladesh for training for deepening relations between the armed forces of the two countries.

The president recalled with gratitude the contributions of the people and government of India in Bangladesh's Liberation War in 1971, and said many valiant soldiers of Indian defence forces embraced martyrdom in the war.