India to work with any country to fight terror

In the backdrop of Bangladesh's proposal of creating a regional anti-terror taskforce, India has said it was ready to work with any country to fight terrorism and underlined the need to 'kickstart' bilateral relations to a new level.

Security and trade were the highlight of discussions External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee had with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Foreign Minister Dipu Moni as India made first political contact with the new government in Dhaka, which assumed office a month ago.

Hasina assured Mukherjee that she would not allow use of Bangladeshi territory for harmful activities against India.

"Our objective was to discuss certain issues which are pending and also to ensure that the relationship reaches a new height," External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee told reporters accompanying him to Dhaka.

Mukherjee said he was 'satisfied' with the 'quite positive' outcome of his meetings with the new government in Dhaka as "each one of them expressed willingness to work for the better relations of the two countries."

"We have good relations with Bangladesh and this relationship was developed because of our association with the liberation struggle of the people of Bangladesh.

"Therefore, it was quite natural that our relationship would improve day by day," Mukherjee said.

Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon said the Indian side was 'gratified' that Bangladesh, 'at the very highest level', said that they will not allow use of their territory by any one for any activities that would harm India.

"They did not say by this group or that group or organisation. Anybody who tries to use Bangladesh for activities harmful to India will be dealt with," Menon said.

During the meeting with Moni, Mukherjee was briefed on the South Asia Taskforce to fight terrorism mooted by Hasina.

The Indian side underscored that terrorism was a global threat and made its 'principle' very clear that it was ready to work with anybody to fight terrorism.

"We are ready to work with anybody who is ready, willing and capable to fight terrorism. That is our stand," Menon said adding that terrorism was a problem that affects all and nobody can solve it alone.

Menon said the transit agreement to improve connectivity with the northeast did not figure in the discussions with the Bangladeshi leadership.

The Trade Agreement signed by India and Bangladesh includes clauses for inland water transport and points of connectivity and not transit, he said.

Menon said the two sides were hoping to hold the Joint Rivers Commission at the ministerial level very soon for their better utilisation in various areas, including water transport.