New Delhi: India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline will enhance cooperation in energy security between the two countries, said PM Modi as he inaugurated the India-Bangladesh friendship pipeline virtually along with Bangladesh PM Shiekh Hasina.
The foundation of the India- Bangladesh friendship pipeline was laid in September 2018 and the inauguration of the pipeline today has added a new chapter to the India-Bangladesh relationship. Prime Minister Modi, while inaugurating the friendship pipeline noted that the pipeline will further accelerate the development of Bangladesh and will be an excellent example of increasing connectivity between the two countries.
"Today is the start of a new edition of relations between India and Bangladesh. The India-Bangladesh friendship pipeline was initiated in Sep 2018...with the help of this pipeline Northern West Bengal districts will be provided 1 million metric tonnes of high-speed diesel", PM Modi said at the inaugural event.
In the last few years, PM Modi pointed out that under the able leadership of PM Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh has made remarkable progress. "Every Indian is proud of that and we are delighted that we have been able to contribute to this development journey of Bangladesh", he added.
Prime Minister further expressed confidence that this pipeline will speed up the development of Bangladesh and be an excellent example of the increasing connectivity between both countries.
What is the India-Bangladesh energy pipeline all about?
This is the first cross-border energy pipeline between India and Bangladesh, 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, has been borne by the Government of India under grant assistance.
The pipeline can 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 and will further enhance cooperation in energy security between the two countries.
Numaligarh refinery limited has been supplying petroleum products to Bangladesh since 2015. This is the second cross-border energy pipeline between India and its neighbours. Cooperation in the power and energy sector has become one of the hallmarks of India-Bangladesh relations. IBFP is the first cross border energy pipeline between India and Bangladesh with a capacity to transport 1 Million Metric Ton Per Annum (MMTPA) of High-Speed Diesel (HSD) to Bangladesh. Enhanced connectivity with Bangladesh will further strengthen people-to-people linkages between the two sides.
"Bangladesh is India’s top-most development partner and its largest trade partner in the region. The operationalisation of the Friendship Pipeline will enhance ongoing energy cooperation between the two countries and will further growth in Bangladesh, particularly in the agriculture sector", MEA said.
Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her constant guidance on the project and expressed his wish to continue working with her for the benefit of the people of the two countries.
