India remains committed to early resolution of Teesta issue: Salman Khurshid

India remains committed to early resolution of Teesta issue: Salman KhurshidDhaka, Feb 17 : Asserting that India and Bangladesh share a unique position in the world with its historical and cultural linkages as well as common perspectives with regard to open societies, democracy, value systems and ethics, External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid has said India remains committed to an early resolution of the issue of sharing of Teesta waters.

"I would like to reassure you that India remains committed to an early resolution of the issue of sharing of Teesta waters. Consultations are on amongst stakeholders in India," Khurshid told media here yesterday after the 2nd meeting of the India-Bangladesh Joint Consultative Commission.

"India and Bangladesh have already exchanged data on the flow of Teesta at Dalia and Gazaldoba at the Joint Technical Meeting held in Kolkata. On the Tipaimukh project, I reiterate our Prime Minister''s proposal for joint participation and invite you to take a stake in the project. We are also happy to note that the second meeting of the Sub Group on Tipaimukh was held in Dhaka early this month," he added.

On the trade and investment front, Khurshid said: "New opportunities are being actively developed by our corporate and business entities."

" I understand there has been a significant increase of textile exports from Bangladesh to India following the facility of duty free exports extended by India in September 2011. We are jointly working on ways and means to introduce balance in our trade relationship," he said.

"We are encouraged by the positive response received from the visit of 100 member youth delegation from Bangladesh to India last year. I am glad to announce that we are ready to organize a similar visit later this year," he added.

On power inter-grid connectivity, Khurshid said: "We were happy to note that work on power inter-grid connectivity is proceeding satisfactory, with 500 MW of power expected to flow from India to Bangladesh this summer.

"We have been promised that necessary clearances for the speedy setting up of the 1320 MW coal based joint venture power plant will be expedited. We welcome the participation of Bangladesh in power projects in India, particularly in the North-Eastern states of India," he added.

Khurshid further said: "Dr. Dipu Moni and I are satisfied at the pace of utilization of the Line of Credit extended by India. The entire consignment of buses has been delivered to Bangladesh. Deliveries of railway rolling stock will commence in the coming days."

" I am happy to announce that we are ready to release the first tranche of USD50 million of the total grant of USD 200 million soon for projects of priority to Bangladesh," he added. (ANI)