New Delhi: The leaderships of Bangladesh andIndiaon Saturdaydescribed the relationship between the two countries as "a fraternal relationship", saying they are friends at home, partners in the region and the world.

They emphasised that relations between India and Bangladesh are based on fraternal ties and reflective of an all-encompassing partnership based on sovereignty, equality, trust and understanding that goes far beyond a strategic partnership.

The prime ministers of Bangladesh and India have reaffirmed their common aspirations for peace, collective prosperity and development of the region and beyond, according to a 62-para joint statement issued after the bilateral talks between Sheikh Hasina and Narendra Modi.

The two prime ministers presided over a ceremony at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi in honour of the Indian martyrs who fought alongside the Bangladeshi Muktijoddha in the Great Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971.

During the talks, the two Prime Ministers affirmed that the relationship between India and Bangladesh was anchored in history, culture, language and shared values of secularism, democracy, and countless other commonalities between the two countries.

The joint statement mentioned that 34 bilateral documents, including business documents, are being signed, exchanged, adopted and handed over during the visit.

However, Foreign Secretary M Shahidul Haque, at a press conference in the evening, told reporters that there should be no confusion about the number of documents and 36 MoUs, agreements, SOP and arrangements were signed.

Earlier, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ministry of External Affairs said 22 documents were signed and the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) shared the list of 22 deals and MoUs.

The two countries crafted a stronger defence cooperation and two leaders agreed to foster mutually beneficial and deeper defence cooperation, taking into account the illustrious history of the cooperation, which began with the joint operation of both forces during Bangladesh's Liberation War in December 1971. The two PMs condemned the genocide that occurred in Bangladeshin 1971.

They solemnly acknowledged the atrocities and called upon the international community to recognise and preserve the memory of those who lost their lives and those who suffered during the genocide.

Modi thanked Hasina for her government's gesture of recognising the sacrifices made by 1,661 Indian armed forces personnel who laid down their lives in the Liberation War of Bangladesh of 1971.

Sheikh Hasina personally handed over a citation and a crest to the next of kin of 7 Indian officers and soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the Liberation War of Bangladesh.

The Indian Prime Minister announced a special medical scheme under which 100 freedom fighters of Bangladesh will be provided medical treatment in Indian hospitals every year.

He also extended the Muktijoddha Scholarship Scheme for 10,000 heirs of freedom fighters for another five years.

Recognising that terrorism remains one of the most significant threats to peace and stability in the region, the two PMs reiterated their strong commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and stressed that there can be no justification whatsoever for any act of terror.

They recognised the need for urgent measures to counter and prevent the spread of terrorism, violent extremism and radicalisation in the region and beyond and expressed their determination to take concrete measures to further step up cooperation and coordination among law enforcement, intelligence and security organizations of both countries.

They reiterated their commitment to ensure that their respective territories would not be allowed to be used for any activities inimical to the other, also said the number of deaths at the border must be brought down to a zero level and directed the concerned authorities to work towards that end.

Modi reiteratedIndia's abiding commitment to supporting Bangladesh in its efforts to build infrastructure and develop human resources capacity inBangladesh.

Hasina and Modi welcomed the identification of a number of projects in the areas of port construction, railways, roads, airports, power & energy, telecommunications and shipping in Bangladesh to be implemented under the 3rd Line of Credit of US$ 4.5 billion being given by the government of India.

They underlined the need for bringing about greater integration of power and energy supply networks as well as cooperation in the field of energy efficiency between the two countries.

Hasina urged Modi for facilitation of cross-border power sector cooperation with Nepal.

They also expressed their appreciation for the growing bilateral cooperation in the field of civil nuclear energy, especially in training and capacity building. In this regard, the leaders welcomed the signing of the inter- Governmental Agreement for cooperation in the field of Civil Nuclear Energy and other agreements related to nuclear cooperation.

India has long been working with a trilateral connectivity - Myanmar, Thailand and India- and Bangladesh showed interest to join in the connectivity project.

Modi assured of providing all the supports to include Bangladesh in the initiative which will help address connectivity related barriers. "A new corridor will be opened with Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand and India."

On water issues, the Foreign Secretary, quoting Prime Minister said water resources should act as a uniting factor and in this context Teesta implementation issue was also raised. Bangladesh is expecting an action-oriented cooperation from Indian side, he said.

Responding to a question, the Foreign Secretary said Bangladesh Prime Minister had conversation with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Hasina had a meeting with Vice President M Hamid Ansari and discussed about various issues including developments of the day.

The Foreign Secretary, however, could not tell what exactly they discussed.

Prime Minister's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim and Press Minister, Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi Farid Hossain was also present at the press conference.