India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, disclosed that there were ongoing discussions between India and Bhutan concerning the potential establishment of a railway connection between Assam's Kokrajhar and Bhutan's Gelephu. He mentioned that this railway link could have a positive impact on trade and tourism relations between the two countries.
During his interaction with the media, Jaishankar acknowledged the complications presented by the internal situation in Myanmar, which were affecting multiple infrastructure projects, including the ambitious trilateral highway project involving India, Myanmar, and Thailand. He noted that the trilateral highway initiative aimed at improving regional connectivity was facing challenges due to the ongoing situation in Myanmar.
According to Jaishankar, "The internal situation in Myanmar has created obstacles for infrastructure projects. This encompasses the section of the trilateral highway that is still in the process of being constructed, as well as the development of 69 bridges."
Jaishankar highlighted the significance of augmenting trade and tourism prospects with Bhutan through the possible Gelephu-Kokrajhar railway connection situated along the Assam border.
The minister went on to underscore the emphasis the Modi Government had placed on enhancing border infrastructure and connectivity development since 2014. He also engaged in discussions about connectivity ventures with Bangladesh, emphasizing that operationalizing the Chattogram and Mongla ports in Bangladesh would greatly benefit the economic interests of the Northeastern states and West Bengal. He mentioned several measures that were facilitating interactions between people, such as operational bus services, cross-border passenger train services, and inland waterway routes.
Jaishankar accentuated India's endeavors in shaping the energy landscape within the region. This included supplying power to Nepal, establishing transit facilities for power from Nepal, and generating power at the Indian-constructed Maitri plant. He reiterated the focal point of India's "neighbourhood first" policy, which centered on enhancing rail and road connectivity, border facilitation, electricity transmission, and fuel supply to neighboring countries.
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