Around 10 Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) were signed between the two leaders and many announcements made.
The new announcements include e-visa for patients from Bangladesh, new Assistant High Commission of India in Rangpur, new train service between Kolkata and Rajshahi, new bus service between Chittagong and Kolkata, joint technical committee for Ganga Water Treaty, Commencement of export of 40 mw of power from Nepal to Bangladesh through Indian grid, visit of technical delegation on conservation of Teesta River inside Bangladesh and training of Bangladeshi police officers amongst others.
Meanwhile, the two leaders jointly articulated their shared vision for peace, prosperity and development of the two neighbours and the entire region, driven by connectivity, commerce and collaboration.
As part of sub-regional connectivity initiatives, India will extend transit facilities for movement of Bangladesh goods to Nepal and Bhutan through the railway network. A new MOU has been inked on railway connectivity, while a decision was taken to commence goods-train service from Gede-Darshana through Chilahati-Haldibari up to Hasimara via Dalgaon railhead (as and when operationalized) at the India-Bhutan border.
“We will continue to expand our power and energy collaboration and together develop intra-regional electricity trade, including of competitively-priced power generated from clean energy projects in India, Nepal and Bhutan, through the Indian electricity grid. To this end, we will expedite the construction of 765 kV high-capacity interconnection between Katihar-Parbatipur-Bornagar with suitable Indian financial assistance, to act as the anchor for our grid connectivity,” says the joint statement.
There were discussions on early commencement of negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), early operationalization of two Special Economic Zones (SEZs) offered by Bangladesh to India in Mongla and Mirsharai, opening of new border-haats, trade facilitation to enhance bilateral trade, improving road, rail, air, and maritime connectivity and trade infrastructure.
Meanwhile a Joint Technical Committee has been formed to initiate discussions for the renewal of the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty of 1996. As part of development cooperation, India will also undertake conservation and management.
