India thanks Bangladesh for honouring Indians, groups

New Delhi, Apr 4(PTI) India has thanked Bangladesh for its decision to honour Indian nationals and groups for their role in the 1971 liberation war of that country. External Affairs Minister S M Krishna wrote a letter last night to his Bangladeshi counterpart Dipu Moni, expressing the government's sentiments, External Affairs Ministry sources said. "The cause of liberation of Bangladesh has been very close to our hearts and the government and the people of India have been extremely proud of their association with the historic liberation war," the Minister said in his letter. Krishna said this initiative would further strengthen the friendship between the people of the two countries and will have a significant impact in preserving memories in the mind of the youth and in enlightening future generations about the achievements of the people of Bangladesh. Last week, Dhaka honoured a host of Indians and Indian organisations for their contribution to the 1971 war, including the late Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw who was the chief of Indian Army in 1971, Lt Gen (Retd) Jagjit Singh Aurora, Lt Gen (Retd) J F R Jacob and former diplomat Arundhati Ghose. PTI