India is planning to resume cross-border bus and railway services with Bangladesh shortly after Eid, according to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. He made this announcement during a press statement in Dhaka, where he met with Bangladesh Prime Minister and Foreign Minister A K Abdul Momen.

During the meeting, Bangladesh PM’s spokesperson Ihsanul Karim Hasina emphasized the importance of connectivity between the two countries. She offered India’s landlocked northeastern states access to Bangladesh’s main seaport, Chittagong Port, which would benefit both countries. Hasina mentioned that the increased connectivity would be mutually beneficial, especially for India’s northeastern region.

Efforts have been made to revive cross-border routes between Bangladesh and India, which were disrupted during the 1965 India-Pakistan war when Bangladesh was part of Pakistan.

Various bilateral and international issues were discussed during the meeting between Prime Minister Hasina and Jaishankar. Jaishankar extended an invitation to Hasina on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit India.

Jaishankar also had positive discussions with Bangladeshi Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen. They agreed that their close partnership is progressing well and expressed a desire to further strengthen it.

India is looking forward to the early implementation of new projects with Bangladesh in sectors such as power, energy, and connectivity. The discussions also touched upon defense cooperation, water-sharing of rivers, and the impact of global events on the economy.

Jaishankar expressed India’s interest in enhancing sub-regional cooperation and connectivity in the energy sector, particularly in hydropower. He highlighted the potential for mutually beneficial cooperation within the BBIN framework.

India will continue to take the lead in fostering progressive partnerships in production, transmission, and trade in the region. Jaishankar is set to leave Dhaka for Bhutan on Friday morning after Momen hosted an iftar party and dinner in his honor at the Foreign Service Academy.