PM Modi announces $4.5 billion line of credit to Bangladesh
AMN / NEW DELHI
India and Bangladesh today signed 22 agreements in presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh Prime Minister Shiekh Hasina in New Delhi after delegation level talks.
The areas in which the agreements have been inked include bilateral judicial sector, earth sciences, navigation, peaceful uses of outer space, passengers and cruise services on the coastal and protocol route and motor vehicle passenger trafic.
In a joint press statement, Mr Modi announced Line of Credit of 500 million dollars to Bangladesh for defence purchases. He said, spread of radicalization and extremism poses grave threat to India, Bangladesh and entire region.
He expressed greatest admiration for Sheikh Hasina’s ‘zero-tolerance’ policy to deal with terrorism. He said Bus and Train Link between Kolkata and Khulna will mark a new era. Mr Modi announced concessional Line of Credit of 4.5 billion dollars to Bangladesh for projects in priority sectors.
Prime Minister Modi also called for diversifying commercial relations between the two neighbours. He said, connectivity is crucial for the successful bilateral relationship. Mr Modi stressed significance of connectivity and lauds restoration of bus and train links between Kolkata-Khulna, and Radhikapur-Birol. Mr Modi announced India to partner Bangladesh in goal of Power for all by 2021.
On Teesta river water sharing issue, Mr Modi expressed firm belief that only his government and government of Sheikh Hasina can and will find an early solution to Teesta Water Sharing.
In her press statement, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said her is country committed towards zero tolerance policy to fight terrorism. She said greater connectivity is vital for the development of two countries.
The two leaders also inaugurated two rail and a road connectivity project via video conference. They released Hindi translation of Bangabandhu’s ‘The Unfinished Memoirs’. Commemorating an extraordinary figure and honouring India Bangladesh friendship, the leaders dedicated a road in Delhi to memory of Bangabandhu.
Earlier, in the day, the Bangladesh Prime Minster was accorded ceremonial reception at the forecourts of Rashtrapati Bhawan this morning. She also visited Rajghat to pay floral tributes to Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi.
Ms Hasina along with Mr Modi will attend ‘Sommanona Ceremony’ in the evening to honour the Indian Martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the liberation war of Bangladesh. Over 1,600 Indian soldiers were martyred in the Bangladesh liberation war.
The Bangladesh Prime Minister arrived in the national capital yesterday on a four-day visit to India.