Will protect nat'l interests

India will take "necessary actions" to protect its interests if Bangladesh decides to review or alter agreements signed between the two countries, Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Friday, according to local media.

While responding to news agency ANI’s question over Bangladesh's reported review of 101 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and agreements with India, Randhir Jaiswal, at the ministry of external affairs’ bi-weekly briefing, said “We also have seen some media reports on this matter, but nothing has been conveyed to us officially. Obviously, India will take all necessary actions to protect its interests,” Jaiswal said.

New Delhi had not received any formal communication from Dhaka on the review, he added.

Bangladesh Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni said on 11 September that the government was reviewing all agreements signed with India and that the outcome would be known "very soon". He said these included arrangements concerning the use of Chattogram and Mongla ports by vessels from other countries.

Moni said all such agreements were currently under review while responding to questions about whether the arrangements could eventually be cancelled.

The chief whip said the government wanted to maintain friendly relations with India while ensuring Bangladesh's national interests remained the priority.

GANGES TREATY TALKS TO CONTINUE
Jaiswal was also asked about discussions between Dhaka and New Delhi on the Ganges Water-Sharing Treaty, whose 30-year term expires in December this year.

"In the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty between Bangladesh and India, we have the Joint Rivers Commission mechanism to discuss all water-related issues. Technical-level meetings on water matters continue to be held," he said.

India and Bangladesh share 54 rivers, Jaiswal said, adding that water-related issues are handled through the Joint Rivers Commission and other established bilateral mechanisms.

The treaty governs the sharing of Ganges waters between Bangladesh and India and is due to expire in December.