India will launch an e-medical visa facility for Bangladeshi nationals seeking medical treatment in India, announced Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday following a meeting between Indian and Bangladeshi delegations in New Delhi. Additionally, India will open a new consulate in Rangpur, Bangladesh, to enhance services for people in the northwest region.
Addressing the media at Hyderabad House, PM Modi highlighted the significance of this visit, noting that it marks Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as India’s first state guest during the third tenure of the NDA government. He emphasized the strong bilateral relations, mentioning their frequent meetings over the past year and collaborative developmental programs.
“In the last year, we have met 10 times, but today’s meeting is special because PM Hasina is the first state guest of our third government. Bangladesh is crucial for our Neighbourhood First policy, Act East Policy, Vision SAGAR, and Indo-Pacific vision. We have completed several developmental programs together in the last year,” PM Modi stated.
PM Modi announced, “India will start e-medical visas for Bangladeshi nationals coming to India for medical treatment. Additionally, India will open a new Assistant High Commission in Rangpur to benefit the people in the northwest part of Bangladesh.”
Ahead of the T20 World Cup Super 8 match between India and Bangladesh, PM Modi extended his best wishes to both teams.
Highlighting economic and infrastructural collaborations, PM Modi noted the commencement of trade in Indian Rupees between India and Bangladesh and the electricity export from Nepal to Bangladesh via the Indian grid. He also mentioned ongoing and future initiatives, such as the renewal of the Ganga River treaty and the review of the Teesta River’s management.
“The sixth rail link between India and Bangladesh has started between Jakhoda and Agartala. Cargo services have been initiated for our northeastern states via the Khulna-Mongla Port. The world’s longest river cruise on the Ganges River between India and Bangladesh has been successfully completed,” PM Modi stated.
He added, “The first cross-border friendship pipeline between India and Bangladesh has been completed. The electricity export from Nepal to Bangladesh using the Indian grid exemplifies regional cooperation.”
PM Modi emphasized the development of a futuristic vision for bilateral cooperation, highlighting agreements on green partnership, digital partnership, blue economy, and space. He underscored the importance of ‘Connectivity, Commerce, Collaboration’ and expressed readiness to initiate talks on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to strengthen economic ties.
“The Bharat-Bangladesh Maitri Satellite will elevate our relationship. Connectivity, Commerce, and Collaboration have been our focus. Over the last decade, we have restored the connectivity that existed before 1965. We will now focus on digital and energy connectivity even more to accelerate the economies of both countries,” he said.
“Both sides are ready to initiate talks on CEPA to elevate our economic ties. Fifty-four rivers connect India and Bangladesh – we have cooperated on flood management, early warning, and drinking water projects,” PM Modi concluded.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is on a two-day state visit to India, during which she participated in a bilateral meeting with PM Modi.
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