Being a ‘warm a cordial’ neighbor, India has planned an inviting red carpet welcome for Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina. Perhaps because PM Narendra Modi wants to make sure that their ‘cordial’ equation remains intact, regardless of Teesta water issue, more so with China showering gifts upon Bangladesh, trying to win their favors using check book diplomacy. PM Modi extended a warm welcome to Ms. Hasina at the airport yesterday. Both the prime ministers have had bilateral talks with each other today.
They’re set to collaborate on 22 key sectors, including defense cooperation, civil nuclear agreement, cyber security, IT, electronic and space explorations today. In this meeting, the leaders came to important decisions. Here’s a gist of what happened when Modi met Hasina today.
The PMs announced New Transport Services between the two Countries
In a webinar conducted at New Delhi today, the two neighbors jointly inaugurated the ‘Maitree express’ (new train), which will connect Kolkata to Khulna. They flagged off a new bus service linking Kolkata with Khulna and Dhaka in Bangladesh. After a gap of 70 long years, the leaders agreed to restore Randikapur-Khulna passenger train service, which is likely to launch by July 2017. All this is being done to promote trade relations between the two countries.
PM Modi Extends A Credit Worth $4.5 Billion for Investment in Bangladesh’s Priority Sectors
With China spreading its wings for its ambitious ‘One Belt One Road’ project, wherein they would want Bangladesh’s project, India is left with no choice, but to build its ‘strategic comprehensive partnership cooperation’ with Bangladesh. To fulfill this dream, they’ve inked 22 pacts for developmental projects. Last October, on his visit to Bangladesh, Chinese President Xi Jinping Extended a Loan worth $24 billion to Bangladesh. In this case, it’s natural for India to strengthen its ties with the neighbors.
A $500 Million Credit Line By India will Reinforce Defense Relations between the 2 Countries
After Bangladesh bought China’s refurbished submarines (that cost a whooping $24 billion), India sprung to strengthen their defense agreement. The countries have signed a nuclear energy treaty by which, they’ll be setting up small nuclear power plants in Bangladesh.
The Leaders will Seek Solution to Teesta Water Sharing Issue
Teesta water sharing has always been a sore spot for both the countries. The issue is hanging fire now, a courtesy of West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee. Therefore, the neighbors are hopeful that the leaders will find an acceptable solution for this problem in their meeting with Mamata Banerjee. The PM will rope in President Pranab Mukherjee in this meeting, as he shares close bonds with both Mamata and Hasina.
Desperate measures call for desperate times. With big announcements and glorious dreams, India is hoping to encash Hasina’s trip to establish their hold in the east.
