PM Modi and Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Announce New Train and Bus Services, Sign Key Agreements
New Delhi, June 22: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina met on Saturday to discuss ways to improve peace, prosperity, and development between their countries. They signed important agreements to enhance connectivity, commerce, and the power sector.
New Transport Services
The leaders agreed to start a new train service between Rajshahi and Kolkata, a new bus service between Chittagong and Kolkata, and goods train services between Gede-Darsana and Haldibari-Chilahati up to Dalgaon. They also agreed to build an Inland Container Depot at Sirajganj and start exporting 40 MW of power from Nepal to Bangladesh through the Indian grid.
Water and Energy Cooperation
A Joint Technical Committee will discuss renewing the Ganga Water Treaty, and a technical team will visit Bangladesh to work on the Teesta River project. The two countries will also expand power and energy collaboration, including developing intra-regional electricity trade.
Digital and Green Partnerships
India and Bangladesh will work together on digital and green technologies. They plan to launch a small satellite for Bangladesh using an Indian launch vehicle. They also aim to build a transformative partnership through the ‘Shared Vision for India-Bangladesh Digital Partnership’ and ‘Shared Vision for India-Bangladesh Green Partnership for a Sustainable Future.’
Trade and Investment
The leaders agreed to strengthen trade and investment links, including starting negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and operationalizing two Special Economic Zones in Bangladesh. They will also improve road, rail, air, and maritime connectivity to boost trade.
Defense and Development Cooperation
India and Bangladesh will enhance defense cooperation and work on modernizing the Bangladesh Armed Forces. They will also conclude a new Framework Agreement for Development Partnership to expand their projects and programs.
Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs)
The two countries signed 10 MoUs and made several announcements. PM Sheikh Hasina is the first leader to visit India after the formation of the Modi 3.0 government. She attended PM Modi’s swearing-in ceremony and had ‘very substantive and purposeful’ discussions with him.
