Tag: Prime Minister Narendra Modi

PM To Army Jawans In Lepcha: ‘My Diwali Is Where You Are’

By LokMarg

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday spent his Diwali morning with Indian Army soldiers in Himachal Pradesh’s Lepcha and extended festival greetings to the people of the country.

Addressing a gathering of soldiers at Lepcha, PM Modi extended his warm wishes to the security personnel posted at the borders and told them, “In the last 30-35 years, there has not been a single Diwali that I have not celebrated with you.”

“I come and celebrate Diwali every year with our Army personnel. It is said that Ayodhya is where Lord Ram is, but for me, Ayodhya is where Indian Army personnel are. My festival is where you are,” PM Modi said. 

“When I was neither the Prime Minister nor the Chief Minister, I would go to the border areas during Diwali to celebrate with the security forces,” he said. 

He further said that in every home in the country, a prayer is said for all soldiers guarding our borders.

“It is said that festival is celebrated only where there is family, but today, you all are stationed at the borders while being away from your families, it shows the pinnacle of your devotion to duty,” the Prime Minister said.

“For me, a place where security forces are deployed is no less than a temple,” he added. 

PM Modi also lauded security forces for their contribution to nation-building, enhancing the country’s global prestige

“Given the situation in the world today, expectations from India are continuously increasing. In such a situation, it is important that India’s borders remain secure. India is safe so long as its brave soldiers are standing on its borders, unflinching as the Himalayas. India’s Army and security forces have constantly contributed towards nation-building,” he said. 

He noted that in the past years  in the Indian Army, more than 500 women officers have been given permanent commissions. “Today, women pilots are flying fighter planes like Rafale,” he said. 

He further emphasized that after Independence, Army personnel fought so many wars and won the country’s heart. 

“In the International Peace Mission, India’s global image was improved because of them. Is there any such issue, to which our brave hearts have not provided solution?…” PM Modi said. 

After reaching Lepcha village, the Prime Minster tweeted, “Reached Lepcha in Himachal Pradesh to celebrate Diwali with our brave security forces”, Prime Minister Modi said in a post on X.

Earlier in the day, he greeted people on Diwali and wished them joy, prosperity and health.

Troops of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police and the Indian Army are stationed at Lepcha near the border with China

Himachal Pradesh shares a 260-km border with China. Of the total length, 140 km is in tribal Kinnaur district, while 80 km is in the tribal Lahaul and Spiti district.

Five ITBP battalions deployed in 20 posts that guard the border with China.

Last year, Prime Minister Modi celebrated the festival of lights with soldiers in Kargil and said Diwali means the “festival of end of terror” and that Kargil had made it possible.

The Prime Minister has been celebrating the festival with soldiers for several years now. In 2019, the Prime Minister celebrated Diwali with soldiers in the Rajouri district along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir.

He had called soldiers as his family and lauded them for guarding the borders even during festivals. He had exchanged Diwali greetings with the Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel at Pathankot Air Force Station.

In 2018, Prime Minister Modi celebrated Diwali with jawans of the Indian Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), at Harsil in Uttarakhand. Following that he had offered prayers at the Kedarnath shrine.

In 2017, the Prime Minister celebrated the festival of light with army soldiers and Border Security Force (BSF) personnel in the Gurez Valley of Jammu and Kashmir’s Bandipora District. In 2016, the PM went to Himachal Pradesh to celebrate the festival with Indo-Tibetan Border Police personnel at an outpost. He visited the Punjab border to celebrate Diwali with soldiers in 2015.

In 2014, Prime Minister Modi spent Diwali in Siachen with soldiers. Notably, PM Modi has been visiting soldiers on Diwali, ever since he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat. (ANI)

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Congress leader Rahul Gandhi

He Wears Suits Worth Lakhs: Rahul Takes Jibe At Modi

By LokMarg

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh and said “PM wears suits worth lakhs of rupees but I wear this white t-shirt only.”

Addressing a rally at Satna, Rahul said “I heard PM Modi’s speech, he used to say everywhere that I belong from the OBC community in every speech, he became prime minister by saying this repeatedly. On one day, he wears at least 1-2 suits worth lakhs of rupees. Have you seen Modi ji repeating his clothes ? I wear this one single white shirt. Do you know why caste disappeared from his speeches as I started speaking about caste-based census. Since I started speaking about it, Modi started saying that there is no caste in India.”

He also announced that the first step of the Congress government formed in MP will be to conduct the caste-based census.

“As soon as Congress government is formed in MP, our first step will be to conduct caste-based census statewide and as soon as our party comes to power we will do the survey of caste-based census nationwide. Till the caste-based census is not done, the backward class won’t be able to contribute. A few days back during the campaign in Chhattisgarh, I met few farmers. I asked about the rate of their land. I was astonished to know when the farmer said that I don’t know the rate of my land,” Rahul Gandhi said.

The Congress leader alleged that the government takes GST from poor people and hands over all the money to big businessmen.

“Big industrialists do not provide employment. Small traders who run small and medium businesses, who are into small and medium scale manufacturing, who run shops, these people provide employment. There used to be lakhs of small units, who gave employment to our youth. When the BJP and PM Modi government came into power, they started an attack on these units. They attacked small traders, and small and medium businesses with demonetization and GST. GST is not a tax. It is an attack on farmers, small traders and businessmen. It is a weapon to finish small traders,” he added.

“GST is given by OBC, Adivasi, backward class and poor people of general category. The government takes GST from poor people and hands over all the bank money to big businessmen like Adani, and Ambani,” Rahul Gandhi said.

The former Congress President accused the BJP of plotting to overthrow the Congress Government that was formed after the 2018 state elections.

“Big industrialists, billionaires, PM Modi and Shivraj Singh Chouhan came together and stole our government from you because they knew that the Congress government of Madhya Pradesh will not work for Adani, it would work for farmers, labourers and small shop owners. I have clearly told the CMs of Karnataka and Chhattisgarh and I will say the same for MP that whatever money the BJP government has given to Adani, the same amount should be given to the people of the state. Modi Ji’s control is in the hands of Adani,” he added. (ANI)

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Congress Aayi, Tabahi Laayi: Modi In MP

By LokMarg

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched a fresh attack on Congress in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh stating that the party had brought with it destruction when it came to power in the State.

Addressing a rally in Satna, PM Modi said “Congress aayi, tabahi laayi (Congress came, brought with it destruction)”.

The Prime Minister further said that Congress has no roadmap for the development of Madhya Pradesh, and people have faith in Modi’s guarantees.

“Congress has no roadmap for the development of Madhya Pradesh. The youth of the state see no future in Congress. The state has faith in the guarantees given by Modi. Har guarantee ki poori hone ki guarantee,” he said.

Urging people in the state to vote for BJP, he said, “Your one vote has done wonders that the country’s enemies have lost their courage. Your MP’s one vote will strengthen Modi in Delhi. Your one vote will oust corrupt Congress from MP.”

He further said that if the Congress is voted to power “free ration and free health treatment will stop.”

“The Congress at the Centre had created hurdles in the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh, which was not permitted to work. Congress had pushed Madhya Pradesh into the dark well here and BJP has tried to take it out. Now is the time for sabka vikas (development of everyone). Dalit, backwards, tribal, poor, everyone will get their rights,” the Prime Minister said.

PM Modi further emphasized that in the past 10 years, the government had built four crore houses for the people. “We build Ram temple with the same devotion with which we build 4 crore houses. This is Modi’s guarantee to all those who have not yet got a house, they will get a house,” he said.

Madhya Pradesh is one of the five states set to undergo polls in one phase on November 17 and counting of votes will take place on December 3.

“Where did all this money go in the Congress government? It went in the 2G scam, it went in the coal scam, it went in the Commonwealth scam but I stopped all these scams. In 10 years, the BJP has sent Rs 10 lakh crore to the accounts of the poor. It is unfortunate for Congress that you have given power to a watchman. We started the scheme of giving free ration during the Corona period. This scheme will be completed in December. People have suggested that it should be extended, so I decided that I will run this scheme for another five years. This will end the ration worries of 4 lakh families of Satna district,” PM Modi said.

On November 17, voters will choose legislators from 230 Assembly constituencies of the state.(ANI)

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PM Greets U’khand People On State’s Foundation Day

By LokMarg

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday extended his best wishes to people of Uttarakhand on the state’s Foundation Day .

Taking to X, Prime Minister Modi said that Devbhoomi Uttarakhand has made an invaluable contribution to the richness of Indian culture and tradition.

“Devbhoomi, Uttarakhand, has made an invaluable contribution to the enrichment of Indian culture and tradition. All my family members in this state, which is famous for its natural tourism, are extremely hardworking as well as very brave. I wish them all the best on the occasion of the state’s foundation day today,” the Prime Minister said in a post on X.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed his sincere gratitude to the Prime Minister on behalf of all the people of Uttarakhand through a post on X. He thanked the Prime Minister for his good wishes on the special day that marks the foundation of their state.

“Dear Prime Minister, On behalf of all the people of Devbhoomi, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your good wishes on the occasion of our state foundation day. Under your successful leadership, we are constantly working to make Uttarakhand one of the leading states of the country, fulfilling the dreams of the state movement activists and the 1.25 crore people of the state,” the Chief Minister said in a post on X.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also shared greetings on ‘X’, and wished prosperity for Uttarakhand.

“Hearty greetings to all the people of the state on the foundation day of Uttarakhand, the sacred land of natural beauty and spirituality. Under the guidance of PM Modi, the government of Pushkar Dhami is setting new records in the progress of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand and the welfare of the people. I wish for the continued prosperity of the state,” Shah posted on ‘X’ in Hindi.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also greeted people state and said, “The unique natural wealth and scenic beauty of Uttarakhand is famous all over the world. This state situated in the lap of Himalayas and its civilization makes India even more beautiful.”

“On Uttarakhand Foundation Day, it is our wish that every person of the state becomes a participant in the development of India and remains happy,” Kharge said.

Rahul Gandhi said, “Blessed with natural beauty and amazing civilization, Devbhoomi Uttarakhand is an integral part of the diversity of India. Hearty greetings to all the people of Uttarakhand on Foundation Day.”

Uttarakhand marks its 23rd anniversary on November 9. On this day in 2000, Uttarakhand was carved out as the 27th state of Uttar Pradesh. To commemorate this occasion, a series of events are being organised across the state.

The main event is being held at the police line in Dehradun, graced by the esteemed presence of President Draupadi Murmu. This marks the first instance in 23 years that the President will be a part of Uttarakhand’s Foundation Day celebrations. (ANI)

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No Shame: Modi Slams Nitish’s Derogatory Birth Control Remarks

By LokMarg

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday launched a strong attack on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar over his derogatory remarks against women in relation to population control and said crass words were uttered in the state assembly and there was “no shame”.

Addressing an election rally here, PM Modi did not name Nitish Kumar but referred to his remarks made on Tuesday. He also attacked the INDIA alliance over Nitish Kumar’s remarks and asked women in the gathering if leaders of the opposition bloc could do any good for them or respect them.

“People of INDI alliance are roaming, playing tricks to dislodge our government, a leader of INDI alliance said indecent words in the assembly in which mothers, sisters were present. No one can imagine. There is no shame. Not only this, no leader of INDI alliance was prepared to speak a word against such dangerous insult of sisters, mothers,” PM Modi said.

“Those who have such attitude, can they ever do your welfare? Sisters and mothers, can they do your welfare, provide you respect, honour you,” he asked.

Several women in the gathering waved “no”.

Slamming the JD-U leader, PM Modi said such remarks also besmirch the country’s reputation.

“How unfortunate for the country. How much you will fall and you are insulting the country,” PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister said he will never shy away from doing whatever he can for the honour of women and to enhance their respect.

The Bihar Chief Minister on Tuesday sparked a controversy after he used derogatory language in the state assembly to explain the role of education and the role of women in population control.

Nitish Kumar was speaking during the winter session of the Bihar Assembly. The Chief Minister made the remarks while underlining the need for girls’ education to check population growth.

Following an uproar over his remarks, Nitish Kumar on Wednesday apologised and said he is taking back his words.

“If my words were wrong, then I apologise for that. If anyone got hurt by my words, I take them back,” Kumar told reporters.

Chaotic scenes were witnessed in the Bihar Assembly as Opposition members rushed to the well raising slogans against Nitish Kumar over his objectionable remarks on birth control the day before.

Nitish Kumar’s remarks have evoked strong condemnation from BJP leaders.

His remarks also drew outrage from the National Commission for Women (NCW), which asked him to tender an unconditional apology.

In a scathing riposte to the Bihar Chief Minister, Union Minister of State for Home, Nityanand Rai said that the Bihar Chief Minister has lost his “mental stability.”

“It’s objectionable; Nitish Kumar has lost his mental stability the way he spoke about women. Tejashwi Yadav’s statement in its support is also objectionable. Nitish Kumar is no longer worthy of holding the position of CM. You have destroyed the culture of this country. He should apologise and detach himself from politics,” Rai said.

Defending Nitish Kumar, Bihar Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav said on Tuesday that it was wrong to misinterpret the Chief Minister’s remarks as he was speaking about sex education.

“Let me tell you one thing. It is wrong if someone misinterprets it. The remarks of the CM were regarding sex education. People are hesitant whenever the topic of sex education is discussed. This is now taught in schools. Science and biology are taught in schools. Children learn it. He said what should be done practically to stop the increase in population. This should not be taken in a wrong manner. It should be taken as a sex education,” Yadav said. (ANI)

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Free-Ration Scheme Will Be Extended For Five Years: Modi In C’garh, MP

By LokMarg

In a major announcement ahead of elections in five states this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that his government has decided to extend the free ration scheme for the poor for five years.

The Prime Minister made the announcement during his poll rallies in Durg and Ratlam. He attacked Congress and alleged that it wants to keep the people poor.

“I have decided that the BJP government will extend the scheme of providing free ration to 80 crore poor people of the country for the next 5 years. Your affections and blessings give me the power to take such decisions, ” PM Modi said at the election rally in Durg.

Making a similar announcement in Ratlam, he said the extension of free ration scheme is “guarantee of Modi”.

The Prime Minister said that the money saved by the poor through the extension of scheme will help them meet other needs. He said that guarantee by Modi means the promise will be fulfilled.

The Centre had in December last year announced that it will provide free foodgrains to over 81 crore people for one year under the National Food Security Act.

In his rally in Durg, the Prime Minister recalled that Chhattisgarh was created by a government led by the BJP. He said the BJP will also ensure prosperity in the state and made a hard-hitting attack on Congress.

“Congress never gave anything to the poor except deception. Congress never respects the poor. They never understand the pain and suffering of the poor,” PM Modi said.

He said the BJP’s manifesto will fulfil dreams of the people of the state.

“I would like to congratulate the entire team of Chhattisgarh BJP that they have released the manifesto yesterday that will make your dreams come true. In this manifesto, our mothers, sisters of Chhattisgarh, the youth and the farmers here have been given the biggest priority. BJP’s track record is that we do what we say.”

He also targetedChhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel following allegations against the Congress leader in relation to a betting app.

“Congress party’s Chhattisgarh government has left no opportunity to loot you. They did not leave even the name of ‘Mahadev.’ Two days back, a big operation took place in Raipur. Huge cache of currency notes was found. People say that the money belongs to gamblers and those placing bets… Congress leaders are filling their houses with this loot money. You can see in media reports that to whom its links go back to,” Prime Minister Modi said.

Congress has rejected the allegations and claimed that the BJP was making them “as it is losing the assembly polls” in Chhattisgarh.

PM Modi said agencies would investigate all scams in the state.

“Action will indeed be taken against those who looted Chhattisgarh. Account for every penny will be taken from them. Chhattisgarh’s corrupt government has broken your trust with one scam after the other,” he said.

Elections to the 90-member Chhattisgarh Assembly will be held in two phases, with the first phase of polling for 20 seats scheduled on November 7 and the remaining 70 seats to go for polling on November 17. Madhya Pradesh will go to the polls on November 17, Mizoram on November 7, Rajasthan on November 25 and Telangana on November 30.

The counting of votes will be done on December 3. (ANI)

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BJP-NDA Lok Sabha

2024 Election Results Will Be Beyond Barriers: Modi

By LokMarg

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed confidence about the BJP-led alliance returning to power in the next year’s Lok Sabha elections and said “2024 election results will be beyond barriers”.

Speaking at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit on Saturday, PM Modi said the country has broken several barriers over the past nine years and asserted that the country is full of confidence today.

The Prime Minister referred to the themes of the HT Summit over the years, from ‘Reshaping India’ in 2014 to ‘Conversation for a Better Tomorrow’ in 2019, and ‘Beyond Barriers’ in 2023. “Although opinion polls usually come a few weeks before the elections, but you have given a clear message that this time, breaking all the barriers, the people of the country are going to support us! 2024 election results will be beyond barriers,” he said.

“The journey from ‘Reshaping India’ to ‘Beyond Barriers’ has laid the foundations for a brighter future of the country. On these foundations only will be built a developed India, a prosperous India,” he added.

PM Modi talked about the country breaking barriers in several fields, including sports, due to the initiatives of the government.

“For a long time, we Indians had to face many barriers…our country could not move forward at the pace it was capable of. A big barrier was the mentality. Since 2014, we have been working hard to break these barriers in India. That’s why today we are talking about India beyond barriers,” PM Modi said.

“Today, India has touched the moon where no one reached. Today, India has become number one in digital transactions. India is leading in mobile manufacturing. India is in the top three among startups. Today, India is hosting events like G-20,” he added.

The Prime Minister said that the barrier of mindset had stopped the country from moving forward and referred to Mahatma Gandhi unifying people during the freedom movement through the Dandi march.

“Today every Indian is filled with confidence,” he said, adding that the country was also coming out of “perceived barriers”. (ANI)

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Congress-NC alliance

After Yoga, Millets Now Set To Go Global: Modi

By LokMarg

Terming millets as part of India’s ‘Super Food Bucket’, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the nutri-rich coarse grain will also reach every corner of the world just as Yoga did.

“In India, we have given it (millets) the identity of Sri Anna. On the initiative of India, today once again an awareness campaign regarding millets has started in the world. I believe that just as International Yoga Day took Yoga to every corner of the world, now Millets will also reach every corner of the world,” PM Modi said after inaugurating the three-day World Food India 2023 here in the national capital.

Millets are also the most secure crops for small farmers as they are resilient and climate-adaptable in both hot and drought environments. India produces all the nine commonly known traditional millets viz. Sorghum, Pearl Millet, Finger Millet, Foxtail Millet, Proso Millet, Little Millet, Barnyard Millet, Browntop Millet and Kodo Millet.

Millet is a common term for categorizing small-seeded grasses that are often called Nutri-cereals. Most of the states in India grow one or more millet crop species. The government of India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi spearheaded the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution for declaring the year 2023 as the International Year of Millets and the proposal of India was supported by 72 countries.

In his address, PM Modi said India not only has cultural diversity but also a rich variety of cuisines. This food diversity, according to him, serves as a dividend for investors around the globe.

“There is as much cultural diversity in India as there is food diversity. Our food diversity is a dividend for every investor in the world. Today, the way curiosity towards India has increased in the whole world, it has also brought a huge opportunity for all of you,” PM Modi said.

India is rapidly urbanising, and with the increase in employment opportunities, the demand for packaged food is also on the rise.

“To align with these ambitious policies, your plans should be equally ambitious. In the food processing sector, there are three main factors contributing to its success: small farmers, small industries, and women,” PM Modi said.

In the past nine years, the export of processed food has increased by 150 per cent, PM Modi told the gathering.

“Today, our agri-exports have reached the 7th rank globally. In the food sector, there is no field in which India has not made progress. This growth might seem rapid, but it is the result of consistent and dedicated efforts. During our government’s tenure, India has, for the first time, implemented an agri-export policy. We have established a network of logistics and infrastructure throughout India,” he noted.

The World Food India featured regional cuisines and royal culinary heritage, wherein over 200 chefs would participate and present traditional Indian cuisine, making it a unique culinary experience.

The event aims to showcase India as the ‘food basket of the world’ and celebrate 2023 as the International Year of Millets.

The event is poised to host participants from over 80 countries, including CEOs of prominent food processing companies. It will also feature a Reverse Buyer Seller Meet, with over 1200 overseas buyers from more than 80 countries.

The Netherlands will serve as the partner country, while Japan will be the event’s focus country. (ANI)

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Congress leader Rahul Gandhi

I Am Not Modi… Will Fulfill My Promises: Rahul Gandhi

By LokMarg

In a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said unlike the former, he tries to keep his promises to the people.

Addressing a public rally in poll-bound Telangana on Wednesday, the Congress MP said, “I am not Narendra Modi. When I make a promise, I strive to fulfill it. Modi-ji said he would ensure that Rs 15 lakh (from the recovered black money parked overseas) is deposited to each of your bank accounts. However, not a penny has been transferred to your accounts yet. However, lakhs have been piling up in (industrialist Gautam) Adani’s bank account. Unlike Modi-ji, we fulfill our promises.”

Also taking aim at Telangana Chief Minister and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) chief, K Chandrashekar Rao, Rahul said, “The ties you have are not just with me but also extends to my great grandfather Jawaharlal Nehru, grandmother Indira Gandhi and Priyanka (Gandhi Vadra). So, we are committed to fulfilling our promises here. I am telling you again, the money looted by KCR will be put back into your bank accounts.”

Claiming that CM KCR and his family treat Telangana as their fief, the Congress MP said, “I have resolved to put the money looted by KCR back into your bank accounts. On one side is your chief minister (K Chandrashekar Rao), his family, and his corrupt ministers, and on the other side is the Congress, the poor, and the farmers of Telangana. Our dream is to wrest the power from the KCR regime and vest it in the people. A king and his family are ruling Telangana as if it is their kingdom.”

Further hitting out at the BRS government, he said the people have to choose if they want to go with a ‘Dorala’ (landlord’s) Telangana or ‘Prajala’ (people’s) Telangana.

“You dreamed of Telangana. You dreamed of a ‘Prajala’ government. You didn’t want a ‘Dorala’ government. When you fought for Telangana, shed your blood, and brought about a revolution, the vision you had before yourselves was ‘Prajala’ Telangana and not ‘Dorala’ Telangana. The Congress party will fulfill all your dreams,” the Congress MP said at a public gathering in Kollapur.

Telangana will poll for its Assembly on November 30 and counting of votes, along with those of four other poll-bound states, has been scheduled for December 3.

The state is set to witness an intriguing triangular contest between the ruling BRS, Congress, and the BJP.

In the previous Assembly elections in 2018, the BRS won 88 of the 119 seats, hogging 47.4 per cent of the total vote share. The Congress finished a distant second with 19 seats and a vote share of 28.7 per cent. (ANI)

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Indo-Bangladesh Infra Projects

Modi, Hasina Jointly Launch Indo-Bangladesh Infra Projects

By LokMarg

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina jointly inaugurated three Indian-assisted development projects via video conferencing on Wednesday.

The three projects are the Akhaura- Agartala Cross-Border Rail Link, Khulna – Mongla Port Rail Line and Unit – II of the Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant in Rampal, Bangladesh.

The inauguration of rail and power sector projects between India and Bangladesh lay focus on strengthened ties and partnership between the two countries.

“The joint inauguration of these important projects manifests the firm friendship and collaboration between our two friendly countries. I would like to thank PM Modi for the warm hospitality during my visit in September 2023 to attend the G20 Summit,” the Bangladesh Prime Minister said

“I express my gratitude for your commitment to strengthening the bonds of friendship between our two countries, Sheikh Hasina said.

The Akhaura-Agartala Cross-Border Rail Link project has been executed under a Government of India grant assistance of Rs 392.52 crore extended to Bangladesh. The length of the rail link is 12.24 km with a 6.78 km Dual Gauge rail line in Bangladesh and 5.46 km in Tripura.

The Khulna-Mongla Port Rail Line Project has been implemented under the Government of India’s concessional Line of Credit with a total project cost of USD 388.92 million. The project entails the construction of approximately 65 km of broad gauge rail route between Mongla Port and the existing rail network in Khulna. With this, Mongla, the second largest port of Bangladesh, gets connected with the broad-gauge railway network.

The Maitree Super Thermal Power Project, under an Indian Concessional Financing Scheme loan of 1.6 billion US dollars, is a 1320 MW Super Thermal Power Plant located in Rampal in Khulna Division of Bangladesh. The project has been implemented by the Bangladesh-India Friendship Power Company Limited which is a 50:50 Joint Venture company between India’s NTPC Ltd and Bangladesh Power Development Board. These projects will strengthen connectivity and energy security in the region.

During the inauguration ceremony, Sheikh Hasina also extended greetings to Prime Minister Modi and the people of India in advance of Diwali.

“I would conclude her by conveying warm greetings in advance for the upcoming Diwali. I wish Your Excellency PM Modi and the people of India a very Happy Diwali,” the Bangladesh Prime Minister said.

Over the last decade, the Bangladesh-India Friendship Dialogue has served as a critical platform for strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations. The theme of this year’s Dialogue is ‘Fostering a comprehensive and mutually beneficial partnership’, BNN News reported.

Earlier this March, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline, a cross-border energy pipeline, built at an estimated cost of Rs 377 crore, of which the Bangladesh portion of the pipeline was built at a cost of approx. Rs 285 crore, which has been borne by the Government of India under grant assistance, read Prime Minister’s Office press release.

The Pipeline has the capacity to transport 1 Million Metric Ton Per Annum (MMTPA) of High-Speed Diesel (HSD). It will supply High-Speed Diesel initially to seven districts in northern Bangladesh.

The operation of India- Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline will put in place a sustainable, reliable, cost-effective and environment-friendly mode of transporting HSD from India to Bangladesh.

Moreover, in September, the 15th Meeting of the Joint Working Group on Trade (JWG) between India and Bangladesh was held in Dhaka, Bangladesh, where the two nations discussed various bilateral issues, including removal of port restrictions, the groundwork for the commencement of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

The meeting was co-chaired by the Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, Vipul Bansal and Additional Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Government of Bangladesh, Noor Md. Mahbubul Haq.

The Joint Working Group on Trade (JWG) Meetings between India and Bangladesh are held annually to discuss key trade-related issues and “explore opportunities for economic and technical collaboration, promotion, facilitation, expansion and diversification of trade between the two countries on the basis of equality and mutual benefit.”

Moreover, these meetings play a crucial role in quickly resolving bilateral issues by removing trade barriers, simplifying customs procedures, improvement of infrastructure, logistics, and transit facilities to facilitate smoother cross-border trade. (ANI)

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