October 19, 2021
2 mins read

India, B’desh set to expand connectivity through waterways

India and Bangladesh also share 54 transboundary rivers, including the Ganges and Brahmaputra….reports Mahua Venkatesh

New Delhi and Dhaka, which have pressed the pedal on boosting bilateral relations, will hold discussions on interlinking waterways — as part of the overall exercise that is aimed at improving multi-modal connectivity– in the next few weeks.

The two governments are also looking at starting a ‘roll on roll off’ service that facilitates carrying of vehicles including four wheeled cars and trucks that are driven onto the ship. A high-level delegation from Dhaka is slated to visit New Delhi by the month-end. Issues relating to cross border short haul trade and linking waterways with coastal shipping will also be discussed.

India and Bangladesh also share 54 transboundary rivers, including the Ganges and Brahmaputra.

Sources told India Narrative that the recent attacks on Hindu temples and Durga Puja pandals in Bangladesh are politically driven and may have been aimed to dislodge the current thrust of the two governments to deepen ties.

“These are political and temporary matters. I don’t think there will be any impact on bilateral dealings between the two countries. Our bilateral relations including trade is robust and will become even more robust in the coming years as Bangladesh is now set to move out of the LDC (United Nations’ least developed countries) list,” Bipul Chatterjee, Executive Director, CUTS International told India Narrative.

A World Bank report published in March said that seamless transport connectivity between India and Bangladesh has the potential to increase the national income of Dhaka and New Delhi by as much as 17 per cent and 8 per cent, respectively.

“The eastern sub-region is poised to become an economic growth pole for South Asia. An important component of this development potential is for countries to invest in connectivity — rail, inland waterways, and roads,” Junaid Ahmad, World Bank Country Director in India said in the report.

Highlighting that cross-border trade through inland waterways can support the livelihoods of riverine communities in India and Bangladesh, CUTS International said that South Asia is among the least integrated regions of the world, accounting for only about 2 per cent of world trade and 1.7 per cent of foreign direct investment.

(The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com)

ALSO READ: Communal violence in Bangladesh leaves 4 dead

Previous Story

Soha really believes in physical exercise

Next Story

‘Blue economy a resource for societal benefit’

Latest from Bangladesh

Khaleda Zia Returns to Bangladesh

As Khaleda Zia travelled to her Gulshan residence from the airport, hundreds of party workers lined the streets to welcome her return…reports Asian Lite News BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia Returns to Dhaka

Islamists Rise Under Yunus Rule

After the departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, Islamic parties in Bangladesh, crushed for years by the Awami League government, have made inroads into the political arena…writes Baidya

TIES WITH CHINA: Is Bangladesh Going Lanka Way?

Plans for nine Special Economic Zones, including Chinese-developed sites in Chattogram and Chandpur, promise jobs but risk creating enclaves where Beijing’s economic priorities overshadow Bangladesh’s….reports Asian Lite News On a humid March

Khaleda Zia’s Son Return Looms as Yunus Faces Heat

The core question remains whether Rahman can provide leadership in politically turbulent times in Bangladesh….reports Asian Lite News Speculation is mounting in Bangladesh over the possible return of Tarique Rahman, son of

Bangladesh Court Blocks Das’s Release 

In a dramatic turn, the Bangladesh High Court granted bail to Chinmoy Das in a sedition case, only for the government to swiftly appeal, leading the Supreme Court to stay the bail
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Indian Caucus wants Modi to address US Congress

If House Speakerdoes and Modi accepts the invitation, the latter

India, Japan agree to strengthen bilateral ties

During the discussions, both sides exchanged views on the macroeconomic