India has said it has not received any official communication from Bangladesh regarding Dhaka’s reported review of more than 100 agreements and memorandums of understanding signed during the government of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal made the remarks at the ministry’s weekly briefing on Friday (September 18). He said India was monitoring the situation and would take necessary steps to protect its interests.
“Nothing has been conveyed to us officially regarding the review of the agreements. Obviously, India will take all necessary actions to protect its interests,” Jaiswal said.
The spokesperson was responding to a question from an Indian journalist about Bangladesh’s reported review of 101 agreements and MoUs with India.
On September 11, Bangladesh Parliament Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni said the government was reviewing 101 agreements and MoUs signed with India under the previous Awami League government. He said the outcome of the review would be announced soon.
Moni also said Bangladesh wanted to maintain friendly relations with India while giving priority to the country’s national interests.
Ganges water-sharing treaty
Jaiswal was also asked about the Ganges Water-Sharing Treaty between Bangladesh and India, which is due to expire in December.
He said discussions on water-related issues were continuing through the existing joint mechanism between the two countries.
“We have a joint bilateral mechanism and technical-level meetings, which will continue,” Jaiswal said.
The 30-year Ganges Water-Sharing Treaty governs the sharing of Ganges waters between Bangladesh and India and is scheduled to expire in December this year.
