New Delhi: During two-day long state visit of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted economic prosperity and connecitvity on Saturday. In a press statement, PM Modi underscored the historical and cultural bonds that unite India and Bangladesh, emphasizing their shared commitment to regional peace, security, and development.
Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) / X
Modi commended Bangladesh’s progress under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership, especially in areas of socio-economic development, infrastructure, and women empowerment. He reiterated India’s unwavering support for Bangladesh’s efforts towards achieving its development goals, including through initiatives such as connectivity projects and trade facilitation.
” In last one year, we have completed many important public welfare projects together. Between Akhaura-Agartala, the 6th India-Bangladesh cross-border rail link has been started. Cargo facility for India’s North-Eastern states has been started through Khulna-Mongla Port. Mongla Port has been connected by rail for the first time. Both units of the1320 MW Maitree Thermal Power Plant have started generating electricity. Trade in Indian Rupee (INR) has started between the two countries,” Prime Minister Modi said in Hyderabad House. “World’s longest river cruise on the River Ganga between India and Bangladesh has been successfully completed. The first cross-border friendship pipeline between India and Bangladesh has been completed. Electricity export from Nepal to Bangladesh via the Indian grid has become the first example of sub-regional cooperation in the energy sector. The implementation of such big initiatives, in multiple areas, within just one year reflects the speed and scale of our relations,” PM Modi added.
Modi and Sheikh Hasina held extensive discussions on enhancing cooperation in trade, security, and people-to-people ties. They agreed to expedite the implementation of bilateral agreements and explore new avenues for collaboration in emerging sectors such as renewable energy and digital technology.
Addressing the first state-guest, after assuming the third straight term, PM Modi said,”
Youth of both countries will benefit from the agreement reached on cooperation in a lot of areas such as Green Partnership, Digital Partnership, Blue Economy, Space. India Bangladesh “Maitri Satellite” will give new heights to our partnership. We have kept in our focus- Connectivity, Commerce and Collaboration.”
“In the last ten years, we have restored the connectivity that existed before 1965. Now we will focus more on digital and energy connectivity. This will boost the economies of both countries. To take our economic relations to new heights, both sides have agreed to start negotiations on CEPA. India will support construction of an Inland Container Depot in Sirajganj, Bangladesh.”
