India wants to export refined diesel to Bangladesh

India seeks to export refined diesel to Bangladesh. The two countries held a discussion in this regard. An announcement regarding this is expected to come after the summit meeting of the prime ministers of the two countries.

A Bangladeshi official involved with the process said Bangladesh will put emphasis on speeding the implementation of BBIN (Bangladesh_ Bhutan_ India and Nepal) Motor Vehicle Agreement. India also seeks quick implement of the agreement_ the official said.

As part of sub-regional cooperation_ the country would seek help for implementation of East-West highway construction project from Hili in West Bengal to Mahendraganj in Meghalaya through Bangladesh.

Diplomatic sources said that India ensured uninterrupted supply chain through railways during the coronavirus pandemic. In continuation to that_ India has given a proposal that they be informed in advance about the demands for daily essentials_ including rice_ wheat and onion that Bangladesh imports from the country.

That would help India supply those products as and when required for Bangladesh. The matter would get due importance in the summit meeting of the prime ministers of the two countries.

The two countries have decided to sign the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to enhance economic partnership. Both the countries are interested to hold discussions in this connection. An announcement regarding this could come following the discussion of Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her counterpart Narendra Modi.

Diplomatic sources also said during the summit meeting_ cooperation in the defence sector will also be discussed. There could be discussions on finalising purchasing arms for the Bangladesh armed forces as part of using the $500mn_ to be given by India under a loan agreement. Besides this_ there could be discussion on studying the possibility of joint production of arms in the future to take the defence cooperation ahead.