Bangladesh
Bangladesh-India Bangladesh-India relations continue to reach new heights: Indian PM Modi
Own Correspondence, Dhaka, 2 November 2023: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has commented that the relationship between Bangladesh and India is constantly reaching new heights. He also commented that the work that both countries have done together in the last nine years has not happened in previous decades.
Modi said these words while attending the inauguration ceremony of 3 projects including Akhaura-Agartala railway on Wednesday.
Inaugurating three development projects between India and Bangladesh, the Indian Prime Minister said, "It is a matter of pleasure that we once again come together to celebrate the success of India-Bangladesh cooperation. Our relationship continues to reach new heights. The work we have done together in the last 9 years is more than ever. It hasn't been done in decades."
Narendra Modi said, "We have signed the land border agreement to establish peace, security and stability along the border. It was hanging for decades. We have also resolved the maritime border dispute... In the last 9 years, by launching 3 new bus services to Dhaka, Shillong, Agartala, A connection has been established between Guwahati and Kolkata."
He said, "3 new train services have also been started in the last 9 years. Parcel and container trains are also running between India and Bangladesh from 2020... Tourism between India and Bangladesh has also been boosted by launching the world's largest cruise ship, Ganga Vilas... "
The Prime Minister of India said, "Our (Bangladesh and India) internal trade has tripled in the last 9 years... The inauguration of Akhaura-Agartala rail link today is a historic moment... It is the first rail link between Bangladesh and India's northeastern states."
"Tripura has strong ties with Bangladesh since the days of freedom struggle... I am happy that we have also inaugurated the second unit of Maitri Thermal Power Project..." he said.
3 projects including Akhaura-Agartala railway were virtually inaugurated around 11:30 on Wednesday. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina joined virtually from Ganabhaban. And Narendra Modi joined from New Delhi.
The three projects are: Akhaura-Agartala Cross-Border Rail Link, Khulna-Mongla Port Rail Line and Second Unit of Maitri Super Thermal Power Plant.
In his speech, Prime Minister Modi said, "We believe in the principle of 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas' (Development of all with everyone), which we also consider for our neighboring country Bangladesh. We are proud to be Bangladesh's largest development partner. 10 billion in the last 9 years. US dollar aid has been provided."
