India will launch an e-medical visa facility for Bangladeshi nationals seeking medical treatment in India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Saturday after a meeting between Indian and Bangladeshi delegations in the national capital. Additionally, India plans to open a new consulate in Rangpur, Bangladesh, to provide services to the northwest region of the country.
Addressing the media at Hyderabad House, PM Modi noted that he and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have met several times over the past year, with this visit being particularly major as PM Hasina is the first state guest during the third tenure of the NDA government.
"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 programmes together in the last year," Modi stated.
"India will start e-medical visas for Bangladesh nationals coming to India for medical treatment. India has dedicated to opening a new Assistant High Commission in Rangpur to benefit the people in the northwest part of Bangladesh," he added.
Ahead of the T20 World Cup Super 8 clash between India and Bangladesh, Modi extended his best wishes to both teams. "I also give my best wishes to both India and Bangladesh cricket teams for today's match," he said.
Modi further mentioned that India and Bangladesh have begun trading in Indian Rupees and highlighted the export of electricity from Nepal to Bangladesh via the Indian grid.
He also revealed that the two countries have agreed to initiate technical-level discussions to renew the Ganga River treaty. A technical team will visit Bangladesh to review the protection and management of the Teesta River.
"The sixth rail link between India and Bangladesh has started between Jakhoda and Agartala. Cargo services have commenced for our north-eastern states with Khulna-Mongla Port. Trade in Indian Rupees has started between the two countries. The world's longest river cruise on the Ganges River between India and Bangladesh has been successfully completed," Modi said.
"The first cross-border friendship pipeline between India and Bangladesh has been completed. The electricity export from Nepal to Bangladesh using the Indian grid has become an example of regional cooperation," he added.
Modi also spoke about the development of a futuristic vision for cooperation in new sectors, including agreements on green partnership, digital partnership, blue economy, and space, which will benefit the youth of both countries.
Emphaisisng 'Connectivity, Commerce, Collaboration', he mentioned that both sides are prepared to initiate talks on CEPA to strengthen economic ties. The Bharat-Bangladesh Maitri Satellite will further enhance the relationship between the two nations.
"Bharat-Bangladesh Maitri Satellite will give new heights to our relationship. Connectivity, Commerce, and Collaboration have been our focus. In the last 10 years, we have restored the connectivity that existed before 1965. We will now focus on digital and energy connectivity even more. This will speed up the economies of both countries," Modi said.
"Both sides are ready to initiate talks on CEPA to take our economic ties to new heights. Fifty-four rivers connect India and Bangladesh - we have cooperated over flood management, early warning, and drinking water projects," he concluded.
The bilateral meeting took place earlier today, with Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina on a two-day state visit to India.