In line with a long list of rail connectivity projects, both sides on Saturday signed a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) to expand transit facilities for transport of Bangladeshi goods to Nepal and Bhutan through the Indian rail network, according to a joint statement issued on Saturday following bilateral talks.

In the meantime, freight train services will be started between Gede railway station in the central region of West Bengal via Darshana-Chilahati in Bangladesh to Haldibari in northern West Bengal. The service will then continue to Hasimara via Dalgaon railway station (depending on the commissioning) on ​​the Indo-Bhutan border.

Both sides also committed to the early implementation of the Motor Vehicle Agreement between Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and India to promote connectivity in the sub-region.

Both sides also aim to develop intra-regional electricity trade, including the competitive supply of electricity from clean energy projects in India, Nepal and Bhutan through the Indian power grid. “To this end, with appropriate Indian financial assistance, we will expedite the construction of a 765-kV high-power link between Katihar-Parbatipur-Bornagar, which will serve as an anchor for our grid connectivity,” the joint statement said.

In the area of ​​trade and investment, the two countries have committed to an early start of negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Other goals include the early commissioning of the two special economic zones Mongla and Mirsharai that Bangladesh has offered to India, the opening of new border areas and trade facilitation to promote bilateral trade.

Aligning national visions

Both sides also reaffirmed two policy initiatives that seek partnerships in digital and green growth. This move is in line with their respective broader visions of 'Viksit Bharat 2047' and 'Smart Bangladesh Vision 2041'.

“These will build transformative cooperation between India and Bangladesh by leveraging green and digital technologies to promote economic growth, sustainable and climate-resilient development, environmental protection, cross-border digital exchanges and regional prosperity,” the joint statement said. Both countries are among the world's most vulnerable to major demographic and economic upheavals as a result of rapid climate change.

Both also aim to cooperate in cutting-edge technologies, including civil nuclear technology, oceanography and space technology.

Given the importance of water resource management in our bilateral relations, both countries have committed to prioritising data exchange and developing a framework for interim water allocation based on the recommendations of the Joint Rivers Commission.

“We welcome the formation of a joint technical committee to start discussions on the renewal of the 1996 Ganges Water Sharing Treaty. As part of our development cooperation, we will also address the conservation and management of the Teesta River in Bangladesh with Indian support and within a mutually agreed timeframe,” the statement said.

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