Growing connectivity with Bangladesh will change entire economy of the northeast: S Jaishankar

India's External Affairs Minister, Dr S Jaishankar, has recently expressed appreciation for the burgeoning connectivity between India and Bangladesh, highlighting its transformative impact on the northeastern region of India. 

Jaishankar said, "If you go to Bangladesh today, the road connectivity today, the fact that the trains running..the buses running...For the first time in Bangladesh's history, they have actually allowed Indians to go through Bangladesh and use Bangladeshi ports and this has had a huge impact on our northeast, otherwise, the people of the northeast have to come down to the Siliguri corridor and come thru Bengal and then go down to our eastern ports...the entire northeastern economy will change because of this."

The two nations share deep-rooted civilizational, cultural, social, and economic ties, which are further strengthened by a shared history, common heritage, linguistic and cultural connections, and a passion for music, literature, and the arts.

Regarding Nepal, the Indian foreign minister said that Nepal’s export of electricity to India is an enormously rewarding transaction for the Himalayan country.

Noting India's growing engagement globally, the Indian External Affairs Minister said, “You are right that there is competition. I would say today we should not be scared of competition. We should welcome competition and say I have the ability to compete.”

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The northeast region of India, particularly Tripura, stands to gain significantly from these developments. The state is poised to become a connectivity hub, with the potential to export products worth 1,200 crores and import goods worth 4,200 crores over the next five years. 

The Agartala-Akhaura rail line, once completed, will dramatically reduce travel time and distance between Bangladesh and India's northeastern states, fostering greater market access, commodities transit, and people-to-people communication.

Dr. Jaishankar's acknowledgement of the growing connectivity underscores the mutual benefits and the strategic importance of India-Bangladesh relations. 

It reflects a shared vision of prosperity and development, not just for the two countries but for the entire South Asian region. 

As India looks eastward with its Act East Policy, the strengthening of ties with Bangladesh is pivotal, enhancing regional cooperation and asserting greater influence in the Indo-Pacific strategy.