Bangladesh accepted India's contention that its river linking project was only at the conceptual stage as the two countries concluded the 35^th meeting of the Joint River Commission in Delhi late on Tuesday night.

The two-day talks, which were to conclude by evening, went past midnight owing to differences over the issue. Later, Bangladesh Water Resources Minister Hafizuddin Ahmed and his Indian counterpart Arjun Charan Sethi signed the agreed minutes of the meeting.

Addressing a joint press conference, Sethi said the river linking project was among the 'miscellaneous items' that came up for discussion.

The minister said there was no difference of opinion on the agenda fixed by the two sides and the discussion were held in a cordial atmosphere and in a spirit of give and take.

Ahmed said there were apprehensions Bangladesh that the river linking project would have severe consequences for it. Sethi was non-committal when asked by Bangladesh journalists whether India would consult Dhaka on the project at a later stage.

The next meeting of the Commission would be held in Bangladesh.

On the proposed Tipaimukh Project in the Northeast, India assured Bangladesh that if there would be any diversion of water it would be done after due consultation with Dhaka.