During a joint media interaction with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi indicated India’s willingness to participate in the conservation and management of the Bangladeshi segment of the Teesta river. This move comes as a $1-billion project for the river is being pursued by China.
The dialogue between the leaders encompassed a range of initiatives aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade, digital advancements, and connectivity. Hasina’s prompt bilateral visit to India after attending Modi’s third-term inauguration on June 9 underlines India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy and the significance of bilateral relations.
Modi’s announcement about sending an Indian technical team to Dhaka for discussions on Teesta’s conservation is pivotal, given China’s interest in the project. China has submitted a formal proposal for the project, raising concerns in India about potential implications.
India’s interest in Teesta’s conservation aligns with its policy of managing shared water resources sensitively. Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra emphasized the importance of cross-boundary river issues, particularly regarding the Teesta, which is one of the 54 rivers shared by India and Bangladesh.
In addition to Teesta, Modi and Hasina finalized joint documents outlining shared visions for enhanced connectivity, commerce, and collaboration. These visions are aligned with India’s “Viksit Bharat 2047” and Bangladesh’s “Smart Bangladesh 2041” aspirations.
Initiatives such as a new passenger train between Kolkata and Rajshahi, cross-border rail links, goods train trial runs, and a new bus service were also announced to bolster connectivity and trade between the two nations. Other agreements include the launch of e-visas for medical patients from Bangladesh, opening a new assistant high commission, providing training slots for Bangladeshi police officers, and launching the Muktijoddha Scheme for medical patients.
The agreements and initiatives underscore the commitment of India and Bangladesh to strengthen their strategic partnership across various sectors, amidst regional and global developments.
Sources By Agencies
