'Connectivity with Myanmar, Bangladesh to lead huge change': Minister S Jaishankar

Guwahati: S. Jaishankar. The External Affairs Minister said that India is considering improving connectivity with the neighbouring counties. He said that they are exploring the possibilities of road connections through Myanmar and sea through Bangladesh

He added that such a step would make a big change in that area.

The External Minister while addressing a "NADI (River) Conclave 2022" in Guwahati said that restoration needs to be done on six old cross border rail links between India and Bangladesh.

"There are 10 waterway protocol routes between India and Bangladesh. Nine new "Border Haats" (markets) between India and Bangladesh are being set up," Dr. Jaishankar said adding "We are improving connectivity with Nepal and Bhutan".

Saying that land connectivity through Myanmar and sea connectivity through Bangladesh would facilitate easy connectivity with Vietnam and Philippines.

"The upcoming connectivity not only would build the strong partnership with the ASEAN countries and Japan, but would actually make a difference to the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework. It is absolutely within our capability to overcome geographic bottleneck and rewrite history."

The External Affairs Minister said that this vision can be productively realised by enhancing connectivity with Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar to improve access to ASEAN countries and beyond.

Bangladesh Foreign Minister A.K. Abdul Momen and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also attended the "NADI Convlave-2022" organised by Shillong based think tank and research group 'Asian Confluence'.

Taking to Twitter, the Assam Chief Minister said: "Due to its strategic location, Assam provides a great opportunity for economic growth. The state has immense potential in tourism sector, including wildlife tourism, tea tourism and river tourism. Our government is taking necessary steps in this direction."

"Northeast India, including Assam, not only provides the only land link between India and ASEAN region, but also acts as a cultural and civilizational bridge. We share the vision of Adarniya PM Shri Nareendra Modi ji that northeast is the sunrise area of Indian economy," Sarma said in another tweet.

Source - IANS