Bangladesh, Bhutan look at boosting rail connectivity through India

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In another major breakthrough which will further boost connectivity, Bangladesh and Bhutan have decided to look at setting up a possible railway network between the two through India, a report by Dhaka Tribune said.</p>
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The two countries are exploring possibilities to see whether the Chilahati-Haldibari railway connection between India and Bangladesh, which resumed in December after over 50 years can be used for this purpose.</p>
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“Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Bhutanese counterpart Dr Lotay Tshering agreed to examine the matter to establish a railway network between Bangladesh and Bhutan,” the news organisation said.</p>
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Momen also said that the two prime ministers have “agreed to cooperate in the area of hydroelectric power among Bangladesh, Bhutan and India,” the report said.</p>
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Boosting connectivity in the region is now the focus for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina. India is already looking to fast-track the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India Nepal (BBIN) initiative with the aim of boosting connectivity across South Asia through rail and road.</p>
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Earlier, highlighting that India is committed to its Neighbours First policy, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said that cross border interconnections with countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal will be critical to boost economic co-operation and trade in the region.</p>
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Meanwhile, Modi has already left for Dhaka today to participate in the celebrations marking 50 years of Bangladesh. This will be the Prime Minister’s first foreign trip in the post Covid era.</p>
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“My visit will not only be an occasion to convey appreciation for Bangladesh’s remarkable economic and developmental strides under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visionary leadership, but also to commit India’s abiding support for these achievements,” Modi said.</p>