In an important step, India and Bangladesh Wednesday discussed a cluster of bilateral issues and decided to sign a long-negotiated extradition treaty in January.
A joint statement after a meeting between India’s Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde and his Bangladesh counterpart M.K. Alamgir here said both sides agreed that the extradition treaty, which is under consideration by both governments, may be finalised at an early date.
“It was agreed that Revised Travel Agreement (RTA) as well as the extradition treaty will be finalised and signed in January 2013 during the proposed visit of Indian Home Minister to Dhaka,” it said.
The statement said both sides noted that the action was being taken for repatriation of sentenced prisoners to either country.
The two countries also agreed not to resort to firing unless fired upon or attacked by terrorists or armed criminals and expressed regret over deaths and loss of life on the border.
External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid also met Alamgir and reviewed the state of bilateral relations.
Khurshid underlined the commitment to India to deepen ties with India in all areas.
He also signalled India’s keenness to promote investment in Bangladesh.
—IANS