Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that Bangladesh has shown interest for restoration of all pre-1965 linkages by road, rail and rivers with India;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether there is a proposal to convene a meeting of both countries at appropriate levels; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER THE MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI S. M. KRISHNA)

(a) to (b) During the visit of Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina to India in January 2010, both sides welcomed the starting of “Maitree Express” between Kolkata and Dhaka which restored this rail link between the two neighbours after more than four decades. The two sides called for resumption of road and rail links between the two countries. The two countries have agreed to revive the Akhaura-Agartala rail link, which India will construct as a grant. They also agreed to operationalize the Land Customs Stations at Sabroom-Ramgarh and Demagiri-Thegamukh.

(c) to (d) There is no proposal to convene a meeting exclusively focused on this specific issue.
http://www.mea.gov.in/mystart.php?id=220215966.

Bangladesh

South Asia