(Video) Rajya Sabha TV (RSTV) The Big Picture: Strengthening India- Bangladesh Ties

Topic: Strengthening India- Bangladesh Ties

Guest:

Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty, (Former Ambassador)
Maj. Gen. Ashwani Kumar Siwach (Retd., Strategic Analyst)
Dr. Sreeram Chaulia, (Foreign Affairs Expert)

Topic Description:

In a reflection of their rapidly growing ties, India and Bangladesh on Thursday sealed seven agreements to expand cooperation in diverse areas, and restored a cross-border rail link which was in operation till 1965. The restoration of the Chilahati-Haldibari railway link and signing of the pacts, providing for cooperation in areas of hydrocarbons, agriculture and textiles among others, came at a virtual summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina. In his initial remarks, PM Modi said Bangladesh is a key pillar of India's “Neighbourhood First” policy and it has been a key priority for him to strengthen ties between the two countries. In her statement, PM Hasina described India as a "true friend". The ties between India and Bangladesh have witnessed an upswing in the last few years. Both sides have scaled up trade and economic engagement besides implementing a number of connectivity and infrastructure projects.