While speaking at the inaugural function of the third Bangladesh film festival in Kolkata, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla described India and Bangladesh's model for regional cooperation as 'unique' and "quite unparalleled" in South Asia, reports Economic Times.

Shringla emphasised that the two nations have been blessed with history, culture, language and above all an ardent belief in freedom, justice and pluralism. He described the commonalities between the two nations as a 'bridge' to a future of peace and prosperity.

Shringla also affirmed that the ties between the two nations have withstood the test of time. He emphasised that even as the world undergoes great upheaval in the post-pandemic era, the ties between India and Bangladesh continue to grow from strength to strength. He also added, "Cooperation is moving forward inexorably. Our Prime Minister is looking forward to his visit to Dhaka."

Shringla also said, "I say it with great pride that the deep historical bond between our two nations has been etched in golden letters with the blood of our soldiers. It was protected and preserved by the sheer determination of our peoples." He also added, "It was the spirit of 1971 that helped free Bangladesh, it was the spirit of 1971 that spurred the India-Bangladesh relationship and it is this same spirit of 1971 that we recognise today as the foundation of the relationship for the years to come."

In the five-day film festival's inaugural address, Bangladesh's Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud also emphasised on the need for the two nations to increase their cultural ties so that nothing can create division among the people of the two friendly countries.