At a time when world peace is under severe strain due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Palestine conflicts, two south Asian neighbours India and Bangladesh are proudly showcasing the benefits of bilateral cooperation and understanding. Recently, the two neighbouring countries jointly inaugurated two new connectivity services, along with one energy project, which will further increase the scope of trade and commerce between the nations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had rightly termed it as a landmark moment, while his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina thanked India for extending all cooperation in improving bilateral ties.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]The development should act as an eye-opener to all the warring nations across the world that are engaged in bitter but futile disputes. As a matter of fact, since the last couple of years, Indo-Bangla relationship has taken a positive turn with the successful implementation of land border treaty and various other measures. Since then, serious efforts have been made to improve connectivity between the two nations. Several rail and road routes, which remained closed since the partition of the country in 1947, have been revived. Apart from connectivity, efforts are also being made to create infrastructure in Bangladesh, which will be mutually beneficial.
If the two south Asian neighbours can continue to cooperate, the region which is yet to get out of poverty despite rich natural and human resources, will definitely prosper at a faster rate and may reach to a new high within a few years. So, wholehearted efforts should be made to solve the pending issues which are hampering growth in the region. Also, keeping in mind the need of the bordering states, the Centre should actively engage in discussions with Bangladesh to remove all such hurdles at the earliest. If the bottlenecks in connectivity and trade can be removed in a time-bound manner, it will immensely help both the countries.
Along with the rest of the country, the north-eastern states of India will be keeping an eye on the outcome of these efforts, as the present day Bangladesh was once the main link between mainland India and the region. Opening up of rail and road links will reduce the distance considerably between the mainland India and the Northeast. In such an eventuality, local trade between the two countries will also flourish as business communities do not have to look for markets in the distant nations to sell their products. Taking a leaf out of Indo-Bangla relation, India should also look to improving ties with other south Asian neighbours and make them realise that friendly relations is a mandatory prerequisite for peace and prosperity. For the benefit of mankind, the neighbouring nations should become development partners, instead of indulging in hostility.