Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina today jointly inaugurated three Indian assisted development projects through video conferencing.
The projects, aimed at boosting energy and security in the region, include the key Agartala-Akhaura rail project, Khulna-Mongla Port rail line and Unit–II of the Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant in Rampal.
Speaking on the occasion, PM Modi said that India's partnership with Bangladesh is a key aspect of its Neighbourhood First policy and Government is dedicated to further strengthen it. He said it is a matter of happiness that they have come together to celebrate the success of India-Bangladesh cooperation.
PM Modi said there has been remarkable progress in India-Bangladesh relations and it is touching new heights.
He further said that inauguration of the Akhaura-Agartala rail link is a historic moment as it is the first rail link between Bangladesh and the North Eastern states of India.
He said connectivity initiatives between India and Bangladesh proved to be a lifeline during the Covid-19 pandemic. He said, for establishing peace, security and stability at the border, both nations have signed the Land Boundary Agreement which had been delayed for decades.
Speaking at the event, Bangladesh PM Hasina praised PM Modi for his “commitment to strengthening the bonds of friendship between the two countries”. She thanked PM Modi for hospitality and strengthening bilateral friendship. She also expressed his gratitude forcommitment to strengthening the bonds of friendship between two countries.
Hasina said two newly inaugurated rail link projects will help boost trade, business, tourism, people to people contact and attain economic prosperity of both the countries.
The thermal power plant will also help provide uninterrupted power supply at affordable price in Bangladesh, she said.
Agartala-Akhaura rail project will enhance the business ties between the two nations and will provide a direct access between north eastern part of the country with the Chittagong port of the neighbouring country while also significantly reduce the travel time between Agartala and Kolkata via Dhaka.
Khulna-Mongla Port rail linewill facilitate the transportation of goods trains to the northeastern region via Bangladesh, offering cost-effective logistics.
PM Modi and Bangladesh PM celebrated India-Bangladesh cooperation and rising relations. Highlighting the close ties between India and Bangladesh, PM Modi underlined that three new rail services were started and inland waterways were developed for transport of passengers and goods in the last nine years.
Chief Minister of Tripura, Dr Manik Saha also virtually joined the event.
