NEW DELHI: India will soon offer an e-medical visa facility for Bangladeshi nationals seeking medical treatment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced this initiative after a meeting with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in New Delhi on Saturday. Additionally, India will establish a new consulate in Rangpur, Bangladesh, to better serve people in the country's northwest region.

After their discussions at Hyderabad House, the two Prime Ministers addressed the media. PM Modi highlighted the frequent meetings between the leaders over the past year, noting the significance of PM Hasina's visit as the first state guest of India's third NDA government term.

"In the past year, we have met 10 times, but today's meeting is special because PM Hasina is our first state guest of the third government," PM Modi said. "Bangladesh is vital for our Neighbourhood First policy, Act East Policy, Vision SAGAR, and Indo-Pacific vision. We have completed several development programs together in the last year. India will start e-medical visas for Bangladeshi nationals coming for medical treatment, and we will open a new Assistant High Commission in Rangpur to benefit people in the northwest of Bangladesh."

Ahead of the T20 World Cup Super 8 match between India and Bangladesh, PM Modi also wished both teams good luck. "I wish both the Indian and Bangladeshi cricket teams all the best for today's match," he added.

PM Modi further mentioned that India and Bangladesh have begun trading in Indian Rupees and highlighted the export of electricity from Nepal to Bangladesh via the Indian grid. He announced that the two countries will start technical-level talks to renew the Ganga River treaty, and a team will visit Bangladesh to review the Teesta River's protection and management.

"The sixth rail link between India and Bangladesh has commenced between Jakhoda and Agartala, and cargo services have started for our northeastern states through the Khulna-Mongla Port. Trade in Indian Rupees has begun between the two countries, and the world's longest river cruise on the Ganges River between India and Bangladesh has been successfully completed," PM Modi said. He also mentioned the completion of the first cross-border friendship pipeline between India and Bangladesh and the export of electricity from Nepal to Bangladesh using the Indian grid as an example of regional cooperation.

PM Modi emphasized the futuristic vision for cooperation between India and Bangladesh in new sectors. He highlighted agreements on green partnership, digital partnership, blue economy, and space, which will benefit the youth of both nations. Stressing the focus on "Connectivity, Commerce, Collaboration," he announced the initiation of talks on CEPA to strengthen economic ties.

"The Bharat-Bangladesh Maitri Satellite will elevate our relationship to new heights. Connectivity, Commerce, and Collaboration have been our focus. In the last 10 years, we have restored pre-1965 connectivity and will now focus more on digital and energy connectivity to boost both economies," the Prime Minister stated. He also noted that both sides are ready to begin CEPA talks to enhance economic ties and that the 54 rivers connecting India and Bangladesh have fostered cooperation on flood management, early warning, and drinking water projects. Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina is on a two-day state visit to India.

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