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New Delhi: India and Bangladesh on Saturday inked a important MoU that will enable Delhi to set up a coastal surveillance system radar in Bangladesh besides deciding to further expand connectivity network corridors boosting Delhi's Indo-Pacific strategy with Dhaka emerging as a key pillar in that vision.
After the summit here between PMs Narendra Modi and Sheikh Hasina here the two sides signed seven pacts -- MoU for providing a Coastal Surveillance System; Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on the use of Chattogram and Mongla Ports for Movement of goods to and from India; MoU on withdrawal of 1.82 cusec of water from Feni River by India for drinking water supply scheme for Sabroom town, Tripura; Agreement concerning Implementation of the Lines of Credit (LoCs) committed by India to Bangladesh; MoU between University of Hyderabad and University of Dhaka; Renewal of Cultural Exchange Programme MoU on Co-operation in Youth Affairs.
The two leaders also inaugurated through video-link three bilateral development partnership projects a) Import of Bulk LPG from Bangladesh b) Inauguration of Vivekananda Bhaban (students hostel) at Ramakrishna Mission, Dhaka c) Inauguration of Bangladesh-India Professional Skill Development Institute (BIPSDI) at the Institution of Diploma Engineers
Bangladesh (IDEB), Khulna
Both Prime Ministers welcomed the initiatives for development of closer Maritime Security Partnership, and noted the progress made in finalization of an MoU on Establishment of Coastal Surveillance Radar System in Bangladesh and encouraged both sides for early signing of the MoU. India has provided such systems to Mauritius, Seychelles, Maldives and planning one in Myanmar. The coastal surveillance system will pave way for Indo-Bangladesh White Shipping Agreement in future. This will be useful amid growing terror threats via seas and growing presence of China in the Bay of Bengal region.
The Bangladesh PM’s visit also provided an opportunity to expand connectivity corridors between the neighbours that would be shot in arm for India’s Act East Policy, boost regional cooperation and win-win proposition for both sides.
Both sides recognized that increasing connectivity through air, water, rail, road offers mutually beneficial opportunity for enhancing economic cooperation between Bangladesh and the North Eastern States of India and beyond. The Leaders welcomed the conclusion of Standard Operating Procedures for the use of Chattogram and Mongla ports for movement of goods to and from India, particularly to and from the North East of India, which could create a win-win situation for both economies.
Both leaders underlined the immense potential of movement of cargo using the inland water and coastal shipping trade. Towards this, they welcomed the decision to operationalize the Dhulian-Gadagari-Rajshahi-Daulatdia-Aricha Route (to and fro) and include Daudkandi-Sonamura Route (to and fro) under Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade.
Bearing in mind the possible benefits to both economies from greater use of each others’ seaports for trans-shipment of their respective export cargoes, the two sides agreed to expeditediscussions on requisite modalities.
To facilitate better connectivity and simplify movement of passengers and goods between both the countries, both Leaders agreed to early operationalization of the BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement for movement of goods and passengers between the member countries who are willing and ready; or to work towards a bilateral India-Bangladesh Motor Vehicles Agreement, as appropriate.
“India and Bangladesh should take lead in realising greater connectivity and trade in the Bay of Bengal region. Indo-Bangla Coastal Shipping Agreement should be taken as a template for a similar agreement among the BIMSTEC group of countries. This will enhance security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region,” Bipul Chatterjee, Executive Director, CUTS International, a global public policy research and advocacy group told ET.
As a further step to enhance road connectivity between both the countries, both Leaders welcomed plans for commencement of Dhaka-Siliguri Bus service.
Both Leaders expressed satisfaction at the discussions in August 2019 in Dhaka between the Secretaries of Water Resources of both the countries and the subsequent formation of the Joint Technical Committee as well as formulation of the Terms of Reference to conduct the Feasibility Study of the proposed Ganges-Padma Barrage Project in Bangladesh for optimum utilization of the water received by Bangladesh as per Ganges Water Sharing Treaty 1996.
Both Leaders directed the Technical Level Committee of the Joint Rivers Commission to expeditiously exchange updated data and information and prepare the draft framework of Interim Sharing Agreements for the six rivers, namely, Manu, Muhuri, Khowai, Gumti, Dharla and Dudhkumar and to firm up the draft framework of interim sharing agreement of Feni River.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina highlighted that the people of Bangladesh are awaiting early signing and implementation of the Framework of Interim Agreement for sharing of the Teesta waters, as agreed upon by both governments in 2011. Prime Minister Modi informed that his government is working with all stakeholders in India for conclusion of the Agreement soonest possible.
Both Leaders appreciated the decision taken in the Water Resources Secretary level meeting in Dhaka for early start of the work on withdrawal of 1.82 cusec of water from Feni River for drinking purpose of the people of Sabroom town of Tripura.
Both Leaders recognized the immense potential of cooperation between the two countries in railways sector. They noted with satisfaction the constructive discussions between the Railways Ministers of the two countries in August 2019. Both Leaders directed the concerned officials to expedite the completion of modalities for provision of railway rolling stock supplies by India to Bangladesh, and on modernization of the Saidpur workshop in Bangladesh.
Hasina thanked Modi for considering the supply of a number of broad-gauge and meter-gauge locomotives to Bangladesh, on a grant basis. This would help in enhancing trade between both the countries.
The two Leaders welcomed the decision to enhance the capacity entitlement in air services from existing 61 services per week to 91 services per week with effect from Summer 2019 schedule, and further to 120 services per week with effect from Winter 2020 schedule.
The leaders directed their officials to expedite establishment of twelve Border Haats which have been agreed to by both countries. “Indo-Bangla Border Haats are a prime example of grassroots realisation of their common vision on shared prosperity. The decision to establish twelve new Border Haats is a welcome step in that direction. This will enhance producer and consumer welfare on both sides. Efforts should be made to elevate them to Border Economic Zones in near future,” said Chatterjee
Hasina is on a four-day visit to India that included her presence as the Chief Guest at the India Economic Summit.
https://economictimes.indiatimes.co...-radar-in-bangladesh/articleshow/71457316.cms
After the summit here between PMs Narendra Modi and Sheikh Hasina here the two sides signed seven pacts -- MoU for providing a Coastal Surveillance System; Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on the use of Chattogram and Mongla Ports for Movement of goods to and from India; MoU on withdrawal of 1.82 cusec of water from Feni River by India for drinking water supply scheme for Sabroom town, Tripura; Agreement concerning Implementation of the Lines of Credit (LoCs) committed by India to Bangladesh; MoU between University of Hyderabad and University of Dhaka; Renewal of Cultural Exchange Programme MoU on Co-operation in Youth Affairs.
The two leaders also inaugurated through video-link three bilateral development partnership projects a) Import of Bulk LPG from Bangladesh b) Inauguration of Vivekananda Bhaban (students hostel) at Ramakrishna Mission, Dhaka c) Inauguration of Bangladesh-India Professional Skill Development Institute (BIPSDI) at the Institution of Diploma Engineers
Bangladesh (IDEB), Khulna
Both Prime Ministers welcomed the initiatives for development of closer Maritime Security Partnership, and noted the progress made in finalization of an MoU on Establishment of Coastal Surveillance Radar System in Bangladesh and encouraged both sides for early signing of the MoU. India has provided such systems to Mauritius, Seychelles, Maldives and planning one in Myanmar. The coastal surveillance system will pave way for Indo-Bangladesh White Shipping Agreement in future. This will be useful amid growing terror threats via seas and growing presence of China in the Bay of Bengal region.
The Bangladesh PM’s visit also provided an opportunity to expand connectivity corridors between the neighbours that would be shot in arm for India’s Act East Policy, boost regional cooperation and win-win proposition for both sides.
Both sides recognized that increasing connectivity through air, water, rail, road offers mutually beneficial opportunity for enhancing economic cooperation between Bangladesh and the North Eastern States of India and beyond. The Leaders welcomed the conclusion of Standard Operating Procedures for the use of Chattogram and Mongla ports for movement of goods to and from India, particularly to and from the North East of India, which could create a win-win situation for both economies.
Both leaders underlined the immense potential of movement of cargo using the inland water and coastal shipping trade. Towards this, they welcomed the decision to operationalize the Dhulian-Gadagari-Rajshahi-Daulatdia-Aricha Route (to and fro) and include Daudkandi-Sonamura Route (to and fro) under Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade.
Bearing in mind the possible benefits to both economies from greater use of each others’ seaports for trans-shipment of their respective export cargoes, the two sides agreed to expeditediscussions on requisite modalities.
To facilitate better connectivity and simplify movement of passengers and goods between both the countries, both Leaders agreed to early operationalization of the BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement for movement of goods and passengers between the member countries who are willing and ready; or to work towards a bilateral India-Bangladesh Motor Vehicles Agreement, as appropriate.
“India and Bangladesh should take lead in realising greater connectivity and trade in the Bay of Bengal region. Indo-Bangla Coastal Shipping Agreement should be taken as a template for a similar agreement among the BIMSTEC group of countries. This will enhance security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region,” Bipul Chatterjee, Executive Director, CUTS International, a global public policy research and advocacy group told ET.
As a further step to enhance road connectivity between both the countries, both Leaders welcomed plans for commencement of Dhaka-Siliguri Bus service.
Both Leaders expressed satisfaction at the discussions in August 2019 in Dhaka between the Secretaries of Water Resources of both the countries and the subsequent formation of the Joint Technical Committee as well as formulation of the Terms of Reference to conduct the Feasibility Study of the proposed Ganges-Padma Barrage Project in Bangladesh for optimum utilization of the water received by Bangladesh as per Ganges Water Sharing Treaty 1996.
Both Leaders directed the Technical Level Committee of the Joint Rivers Commission to expeditiously exchange updated data and information and prepare the draft framework of Interim Sharing Agreements for the six rivers, namely, Manu, Muhuri, Khowai, Gumti, Dharla and Dudhkumar and to firm up the draft framework of interim sharing agreement of Feni River.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina highlighted that the people of Bangladesh are awaiting early signing and implementation of the Framework of Interim Agreement for sharing of the Teesta waters, as agreed upon by both governments in 2011. Prime Minister Modi informed that his government is working with all stakeholders in India for conclusion of the Agreement soonest possible.
Both Leaders appreciated the decision taken in the Water Resources Secretary level meeting in Dhaka for early start of the work on withdrawal of 1.82 cusec of water from Feni River for drinking purpose of the people of Sabroom town of Tripura.
Both Leaders recognized the immense potential of cooperation between the two countries in railways sector. They noted with satisfaction the constructive discussions between the Railways Ministers of the two countries in August 2019. Both Leaders directed the concerned officials to expedite the completion of modalities for provision of railway rolling stock supplies by India to Bangladesh, and on modernization of the Saidpur workshop in Bangladesh.
Hasina thanked Modi for considering the supply of a number of broad-gauge and meter-gauge locomotives to Bangladesh, on a grant basis. This would help in enhancing trade between both the countries.
The two Leaders welcomed the decision to enhance the capacity entitlement in air services from existing 61 services per week to 91 services per week with effect from Summer 2019 schedule, and further to 120 services per week with effect from Winter 2020 schedule.
The leaders directed their officials to expedite establishment of twelve Border Haats which have been agreed to by both countries. “Indo-Bangla Border Haats are a prime example of grassroots realisation of their common vision on shared prosperity. The decision to establish twelve new Border Haats is a welcome step in that direction. This will enhance producer and consumer welfare on both sides. Efforts should be made to elevate them to Border Economic Zones in near future,” said Chatterjee
Hasina is on a four-day visit to India that included her presence as the Chief Guest at the India Economic Summit.
https://economictimes.indiatimes.co...-radar-in-bangladesh/articleshow/71457316.cms
