India and Bangladesh discuss groundwork for trade pact, commit to deeper economic engagement
India and Bangladesh have commenced discussions on the ground work for the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two sides.
The 15th Meeting of the Joint Working Group on Trade (JWG) discussed a host of other bilateral issues such as removal of port restrictions, harmonization and mutual recognition of standards, and supply of essential commodities to Bangladesh. The two sides talked about development of road and rail infrastructure as well as regional connectivity through multi-modal transportation. Creation and strengthening of infrastructure in Land Customs Stations and Integrated Check Posts was also figured in the discussions.
https://www.indianewsnetwork.com/
Chattogram Port: A win-win for India and Bangladesh
The opening up of the Chattogram Port for transit and transhipment of goods and allowing regular movement is a powerful testimony of the India-Bangladesh partnership.
Sustained trade is one of the key relations among India and Bangladesh and it may be noted that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the supply chain between the two countries continued without much interruption. Improving this connectivity further is important for significantly boosting the bilateral trade and investment potential, especially for Bangladesh and the eastern part of India. In this regard, ensuring seamless connectivity between the two countries is the most important factor in facilitating India-Bangladesh trade intensity.
https://www.financialexpress.com/
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Reviving Indo-Bangladesh trade ties: Bangladesh’s IT exports can learn from India’s success
North-east India can learn from Bangladesh’s expertise in manufacturing.
After the post-partition period, Bangladesh has made significant strides. The country has made remarkable progress in areas such as poverty reduction, basic literacy, women empowerment, healthcare, infrastructure development, digitalisation, financial inclusion, and more. It has transitioned from a primarily agrarian economy to a manufacturing powerhouse, with the ready-made garment industry driving impressive GDP growth over the past decade or so. Now, the country is on course to become a trillion dollar economy and a developed country by 2041. So was India’s growth in the post-1991.
https://www.financialexpress.com/
Shipping Secretary Level Talks concludes with path breaking decisions in Dhaka
The two-day shipping secretary-level meeting between Bangladesh and India encompassed three high-level dialogues between the Governments of India and Bangladesh, namely the Shipping Secretary Level Talks (SSLT).
The enduring bilateral relationship between Bangladesh and India is characterized by principles of equality, trust, sovereignty, and mutual understanding. In the Shipping Secretary Level Talks, deliberations covered critical matters such as facilitating visa issuance, providing shore-leave facilities, and ensuring the repatriation of seafarers. The agreement was reached to designate land routes at LCS Radhikapur (Birol) and Hodibari (Chilahati) to enhance trade and connectivity. Additionally, the inclusion of Dhamra Port as a Port of Call under the Coastal Shipping Agreement was explored.
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India, Bhutan agree to extend energy partnership to non-hydro renewables
The statement said that India and Bhutan enjoy long-standing and exceptional bilateral ties characterized by utmost trust, goodwill, and mutual understanding at all levels
India and Bhutan agreed to extend the existing energy partnership to non-hydro renewables such as solar as well as green initiatives for hydrogen, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirming India's abiding commitment to its unique ties of friendship and cooperation with the neighbouring country. Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck particularly appreciated India's efforts in effectively integrating the interest and priorities of the countries in the Global South in the G20 deliberations and outcome documents.
https://www.business-standard.com/
Bhutan to have 1,000-sq. km. green city along Assam border ‘connecting South Asia to Southeast Asia’
Thanking India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the first India-Bhutan railway project, the King of Bhutan calls the upcoming mega project a ‘point of inflection’ and ‘transformation’ for Bhutan and South Asia.
Bhutan plans to build a mega “international city” near the Indian border, covering an area of 1,000 square kilometre. The massive city, the Gelephu Special Administrative Region (SAR), will connect Bhutan economically with Assam in India. The proposed land connection from Gelephu, traversing Assam and West Bengal, will provide Bhutan access to Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Singapore. Under the project, India and Bhutan are planning to establish a 58-km rail link between Gelephu and Kokrajhar in Assam.
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Closer together: On the India-Bhutan talks and the plans ahead
The decision by India and Bhutan to focus on infrastructure and connectivity during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bhutan’s fifth King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck is an important marker towards more bilaterally driven regional initiatives.
India’s “energy exchange”, which is bringing more Bhutanese and Nepali hydropower suppliers online, while planning to distribute energy to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, will drive intra-regional growth and revenues. This would also power New Delhi’s attempt at bridging the economic gap with the northeast, while drawing development partners like the World Bank and donor countries like Japan into the creation of a “sub-regional hub”.
https://www.thehindu.com/
Why Bhutan-India relations are significant amidst the growing influence of China
PM Modi has committed India’s support for Bhutan’s socio-economic development during a meeting with the Himalayan nation’s visiting King, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.
India and Bhutan agreed to enhance cross-border connectivity and expand ties in trade, infrastructure and energy sectors. Both the governments agreed to look into the possibility of creating a rail link between Banarhat (West Bengal) and Samtse (Bhutan). Bhutan does not have any diplomatic relations with China, but both sides have been working on the border dispute (since 1984), which primarily focused on three areas—Jakarlung and Pasamlung in north Bhutan, and Doklam in west Bhutan, and, the Doklam plateau has vital strategic importance for India because of its proximity to the Siliguri Corridor—also called the Chicken’s Neck—a 22-km stretch connecting the Indian mainland with the Northeast.
https://www.indiatoday.in/
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Akhaura-Agartala rail link to boost Indo-Bangladesh trade
India and Bangladesh fast-track trade with mega projects: 8-hour shorter rail route, power boost, and regional connectivity unlocked.
India and Bangladesh recently joined hands to accelerate trade and connectivity through the inauguration of three major projects. At the forefront is the Akhaura-Agartala rail link, slashing travel time between Northeast India and West Bengal by a colossal 8 hours. This vital artery, along with the Khulna-Mongla port rail line, not only promises faster movement of goods and people but also unlocks wider regional trade, potentially benefiting Nepal and Bhutan too. Backing these ambitions is EXIM Bank of India, whose impressive $7.9 billion investment in Bangladesh exceeds its support for any other neighbor.
https://infra.economictimes.indiatimes.com/
Meaningful Digital Connectivity Remains A Challenge In Northeast India
States in India’s northeastern region lag in terms of internet use and digital adoption of services due to low internet penetration and overall development besides the lack of IT infrastructure.
The northeastern states of India face digital connectivity challenges, with only 33.9% of adult women and 57.1% of adult men using the internet, as per the NFHS-5. Rural areas exhibit low internet reach, with fewer than 50% of households having internet facilities. Computer ownership is below 40%, dropping to under 20% in rural areas and as low as 3.2% in Tripura, according to the CSD report. During the pandemic, rural students lacked internet access for classes. These issues highlight a digital divide, emphasizing the need for comprehensive development in infrastructure, education, and health to achieve meaningful progress.
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Cabinet approves widening of 135-km stretch of Khowai-Harina road in Tripura
Tripura's 135 km road gets Rs. 2,486 crore makeover with Japan's help, promising faster commutes, border trade boost, and alternative Assam-Meghalaya access.
Tripura's road infrastructure is set for a major upgrade as the Union Cabinet approved widening a 135 km stretch of the Khowai-Harina road. This ambitious project, spanning from km 101.300 to km 236.213 of NH-208, carries a hefty price tag of Rs. 2,486.78 crore, of which Rs. 1,511.70 crore (JPY 23,129 million) will be financed by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under the Official Development Assistance (ODA) scheme.
https://www.cnbctv18.com/
North East India Festival in Vietnam to promote Act East Policy; to include trade, tourism and academic sessions
The North East India Festival in Ho Chi Minh City aims to promote the Act East Policy through trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges, fostering deeper ties between India and Vietnam.
The three-day North East India Festival (NEIF) in Ho Chi Minh City, in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs, aims to promote the Act East Policy by fostering trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges between India and Vietnam. The festival includes diverse activities such as trade and tourism sessions, academic discussions, and exhibitions showcasing 'Incredible India' destinations, textiles, and state-specific zones representing various Northeastern states.
https://www.guwahatiplus.com/
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Indian Electric Vehicle Exports Surge, with Europe and Nepal Leading the Demand
Fueled by Nepal and Europe, India's EV exports soared in 2023, despite mixed signals from other markets.
India's electric vehicle (EV) exports have seen a remarkable surge in 2023, riding a wave of demand from Europe and Nepal. Nepal holds the title for the biggest contributor to this growth, but other European nations like France and Germany have also upped their game, with imports skyrocketing compared to the previous year. However, some other countries, like Bhutan and South Korea, have shown a dip in their EV purchases from India. This varied picture reflects a complex interplay of factors, potentially involving market saturation, local policy shifts, and evolving import strategies in different regions.
https://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com
2nd edition of India-Nepal economic partnership summit 2023 organised in Birgunj
The "India-Nepal Economic Partnership Summit 2023" in Birgunj aimed to bolster bilateral ties, focusing on economic cooperation, trade policies, and infrastructural development, with discussions on cluster-based economic zones and relaxed cross-border trade norms.
The "India-Nepal Economic Partnership Summit 2023" in Birgunj aimed to strengthen bilateral economic ties. Discussions focused on accelerating cooperation, promoting industrial development, revisiting trade policies, enhancing economic and sub-regional cooperation, and improving border area development and connectivity. The summit highlighted India's support as Nepal's largest trading partner and source of foreign investments, emphasizing complementarities and people-to-people connections. Key speakers addressed economic challenges, fostering joint action for deeper engagement, and promoting investment flows between the two nations.
https://www.zeebiz.com/
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Connectivity and cooperation: Adding new dimensions to India-Nepal ties
There is a glaring urgency to modernise transport and transit agreements between India and Nepal as per the changing fundamentals, aspirations and needs.
The Centre for Social Economic Progress (CSEP) policy brief advocates for a Highly Facilitated Trade Corridor (HFTC) to strengthen regional cooperation, focusing on the Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal (BBIN) initiative and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) sub-regions. The HFTC aims to address border transport, trade, and operational challenges, fostering effective regulatory collaboration. The brief emphasizes the need for empathetic and trust-driven bilateral ties between India and Nepal, promoting smoother trade facilitation and modernizing transport and transit agreements.
https://www.firstpost.com/
India lends helping hand to quake-hit Nepal, sends first consignment of emergency relief materials
A high-intensity earthquake caused huge loss of human lives and property in Nepa. India sent its first consignment of emergency relief materials to Nepal.
India sent a ₹10 crore emergency relief consignment to earthquake-stricken Nepal, including tents, blankets, medicines, and medical equipment. The delivery, via an Indian Air Force C-130 flight, followed Prime Minister Modi's commitment to assist earthquake victims. The relief was handed over by the Indian Ambassador to Nepal's Deputy Prime Minister & Defence Minister. This aid reflects India's commitment to its Neighbourhood First policy. The move coincides with India's role as a first responder, reminiscent of its extensive relief operation in Nepal after the 2015 earthquake.
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