DHAKA: Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla has emphasised the need of preserving and cultivating the spirit of the 1971 Liberation War, particularly at a time when extreme and anti-liberation forces are attempting to destabilise the region for their own gain.

Shringla said, two-way trade has increased dramatically in recent years, with Bangladeshi exports likely to surpass USD2 billion for the first time this year. In this regard, he stated that completing a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement as soon as possible is critical to maintaining the current pace in trade.

He also urged for a deliberate effort to improve the two countries' connectivity. "We've made some progress," he said, "but more effective and consistent initiatives are required." He cited a few key projects, including the Maitri Power Project in Khulna and the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline, both of which are set to be completed this year. He also said that India and Bangladesh are currently working on finalising agreements for other rivers as well as exchanging best practises in the areas of river embankments and river salinity.

On Monday, he remarked this during an interaction with a visiting Bangladesh team led by Md Shariar Alam, Bangladesh's State Minister for Foreign Affairs, at the India Foundation's 10th India-Bangladesh Friendship Dialogue in Shimla.

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