Indian central government is trying to convince West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee regarding the long-awaited Teesta water-sharing deal.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has conveyed the message in a meeting with Bangladesh President Md Abdul Hamid in New Delhi on Sunday.
According to bdnews24.com, the meeting was held on the sidelines of the International Solar Association Founding Conference in New Delhi.
Though Bangladesh and India have ironed out several deals in recent years, the water-sharing deal has been held up at the objection of Banerjee, who says her state will not have enough water if the deal goes through.
Bangladesh has continued to push for the deal because the water is necessary for irrigation in the north during the dry months.
President Hamid raised the issue with the Indian prime minister during the conference on Sunday.
President’s Press Secretary Md Jainal Abedin said Abdul Hamid emphasised the importance of the Teesta water-sharing deal for Bangladesh’s socioeconomic development.
“In response Modi said his government was trying its best and that it is eager for a deal involving everyone,” Jainal Abedin said.
Modi is trying to keep Banerjee on board with the issue, according to Abedin.