TDS Desk:

India has said they have seen the CNN report on the flood situation in Bangladesh, and its narrative is “misleading” and suggests that India is somehow responsible for the floods.

“It is factually not correct and ignores the facts mentioned in the press releases issued by the Government of India clarifying the situation. They also have ignored that we have regular and timely exchange of data and critical information between the two countries through existing joint mechanisms for water resources management,” said official spokesperson at the Indian Ministry of Exteral Affairs Randhir Jaiswal while responding to a question.

During a regular media briefing in New Delhi on Friday, Jaiswal said there are established procedures between India and Bangladesh for several years now.

The two countries have 54 rivers that they share, and this mechanism and institutional mechanisms that they have been in existence for quite some time.

“As part of the established procedure, we have been exchanging data on a timely and regular basis with Bangladesh,” said the spokesperson.

On the question of flood in eastern Bangladesh and floods in Tripura, he said, they had released two press releases, giving the factual position as to why they have happened.

Flooding in eastern Tripura and eastern Bangladesh happened essentially because of incessant and excessive rain.

“And thereafter, we have explained in the two press releases exactly what the situation was. So, these mechanisms to help both countries deal with flood issues and water management issues are there,” Jaiswal said.

He said if there are any new mechanisms that can help further in controlling or helping the sufferings of the people or helping deal with its natural disasters, this is a matter that they can take forward with Bangladesh.

On the issue of visa, the spokesperson  said they are issuing visas in a limited manner for medical and emergency purposes.

Once the situation becomes normal, law and order is restored, and then they will begin their full-fledged operations of visa, he said.

Present Engagement with Bangladesh

Jaiswal said their High Commissioner in Dhaka Pranay Verma had an introductory meeting with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, where he discussed several aspects of their relationship.

He also talked about how India would like to continue to work with Bangladesh to fulfill the shared aspirations of people of both countries for prosperity, security, and development.

High Commissioner Verma had conveyed that their commitment to taking forward the relationship in accordance with their respective national priorities.

“He stressed on this fact. They also discussed other issues, including the safety of Hindus and minorities there,” Jaiswal said.

The High Commissioner also informed Chief Adviser that the flooding in eastern Bangladesh was caused due to excessive rain.

“There are other aspects that you have highlighted. We have taken note of that, and hopefully, we will have more engagement on such issues later,” Jaiswal said.

Responding to a question, the MEA spokesperson said they have stated earlier that former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina came to India at a very short notice for safety reasons. “We have nothing further to add on that matter.”

Impacts on Projects

Jaiswal said that because of the turmoil in Bangladesh, their projects have been impacted. “Let me tell you that our development cooperation activities with Bangladesh are aimed at the welfare of the people of Bangladesh.”

“You would have seen that the Prime Minister in his Independence Day speech as well had stated that India will always be a well-wisher of Bangladesh in its development journey,” he added.

Jaiswal said the work on some of the projects has stalled and has been affected because of the law and order situation I Bagladesh.

“Once the situation stabilizes, normalcy is restored, then we will talk to, we will engage in consultations with the interim Government about our development initiatives and then see how best to take those forward and what sort of understanding we can reach on them,” Jaiswal said.

On security issue, he said security during the turmoil was a problem not just for them but for everybody. “You saw what happened to the Indian Cultural Centre. It was in the news all over.”

Jaiswal said the Bangladesh authorities tried their best for the security. “Hopefully normalcy returns soon that we can begin our engagement in the right earnest.”

India’s development projects in Bangladesh have been temporarily halted due to the current situation as many people working on various development projects there had to return.

“Due to several reasons, these projects have been paused. Once the situation improves and law and order are restored, we will discuss with their government how to proceed further,” Jaiswal said.