Delhi seeks greater security cooperation

To fight a common battle against terrorism, India has called for enhanced security cooperation between the armed forces, police and law enforcement agencies of India and Bangladesh with a close coordination on the ground.

“Terrorism poses a challenge to the fabric of our societies and the very aim of these groups is to undermine positive developments,” said Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka Harsh Vardhan Shringla.

Delivering a speech on “Contemporary India, its Foreign Policy, Security Strategy & Bangladesh-India Relations” at the National Defence College in the capital yesterday, the Indian envoy said terrorism has emerged as a major challenge and India has faced the challenges of cross-border terrorism since 1990s.

“Bangladesh has also faced some serious challenges from terrorism and is an invaluable partner in our fight against terrorism,” he said.

He said India has also called for strengthening efforts to prevent supply of arms to terrorists, disrupt their movements, curb and criminalise terror financing; secure cyber space and minimise internet and social media use for terrorism and radicalisation.

He stressed for security cooperation between India and Bangladesh, including exchange of information and apprehending criminals.

“…India can only prosper if Bangladesh prospers,” he said, adding, “Our foreign policy goals are common: it is to meet our development requirements...India and Bangladesh are partners in progress and development.”

He said India has outlined a comprehensive vision for the Indian Ocean region focusing on security and growth for all the littoral states, and promised to address shared threats like piracy, smuggling, environmental degradation and natural disasters.

He said, “Our relationship with Bangladesh is often regarded as a paradigm for cooperation between neighbouring countries.”

Shringla said Modi's visit to Bangladesh in June 2015 was one of his most successful visits. As many as 77 decisions were listed in a joint declaration, which laid down the roadmap for future cooperation, and 22 bilateral agreements were signed in areas as diverse as energy, connectivity, infrastructure and transportation and people-to-people contacts, he said.

Commandant of National Defence College Lt Gen Chowdhury Hasan Sarwardy, senior directing staff and senior army officials were present on the occasion.