New Delhi/Dhaka, July 6
External Affairs Minister S M Krishna today embarked on an official visit to Bangladesh during which he is expected to convey India's commitment to forging an enduring relationship with the neighbouring country.

Asserting that India remains committed to a partnership in the development and prosperity of the people of Bangladesh, Krishna said that both the countries remain steadfast in their efforts to combat the scourge of terrorism.

“We are at a historic juncture. I am confident that through a forward-looking, progressive and pragmatic approach based on understanding and cooperation, we can achieve a mutually rewarding relationship that brings a brighter future, prosperity and development to the people of both countries,” said Krishna on his arrival at the Dhaka airport today.

"India remains committed to a partnership in the development and prosperity of the people of Bangladesh. Both the countries remain steadfast in their efforts to combat the scourge of terrorism,” he added

During talks with the Bangladesh leaders, Krishna will review the gamut of bilateral relations ahead of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's September 6-7 visit. His three-day trip comes against the backdrop of Singh’s remarks last Wednesday about 25 per cent of Bangladeshis being anti-Indian which kicked up an uproar in that country.

The two sides are expected to sign several “bilateral documents” on transit, a 15-year interim accord on Teesta river water-sharing, joint ventures in power sector and development projects under the $1billion Line of Credit extended by India in January last year during Hasina’s visit to Delhi.

Krishna's visit is part of the spadework to work out the “deliverables” by India during Singh's visit to Dhaka when New Delhi is expected to come out with unilateral trade concessions, including further easing of Bangladeshi textile exports to the Indian market, and an agreement on border demarcation and adversely-held enclaves. — PTI