By IANS,
Agartala : India is developing border infrastructure along the neighbouring countries to bring the people closer by boosting trade and economy, Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde said in Tripura’s capital Agartala Sunday.
“India would build 13 international standard ICPs (Integrated Check Posts) along the borders with Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Myanmar to boost trade and economy with the neighbouring countries,” Shinde said after opening the ICP at Akhaura near Agartala on Bangladesh border.
He said: “Ties between India and Bangladesh would never snap but strengthen in future. India-Bangladesh relationship is exemplary time-tested relationship. These ties were initiated by Indira Gandhi (India’s late prime minister) and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (founding father and then president and prime minister of Bangladesh).”
Shinde said India is committed to support Bangladesh so the two friendly countries grow together for the benefit of the people.
“With the building of ICPs, people-to-people contacts would be further strengthened,” he said, adding the ICP along the Petrapole-Benapole check post in West Bengal would be ready by next year.
Shinde said more border haats (markets) would be set up along the India-Bangladesh border to promote local trade.
Bangladesh home minister Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir, in his speech at the inaugural function, said with the setting up of the ICPs, a new dimension would be opened for the people of the two countries.
“Both trade, economic activities and movement of people across the border would increase. With increase in trade, people of the two nations would prosper,” he added.
Tripura Industries and Commerce Minister Jitendra Chowdhury said if the Bangladesh government allows India’s northeastern states to use Chittagong international ports and Mongla and Ashuganj river ports, the northeastern states’ economy would develop.
“Using the Bangladeshi ports, people of the region could be able to ferry essential goods and heavy machineries from the rest of the country via Bangladesh,” he added.