India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, has highlighted the significant improvements in India's infrastructure development and connectivity with Nepal since the Bharatiya Janata Party assumed power in 2014. He emphasized the positive impacts of enhanced movement and connectivity between India and Nepal, which have led to increased business opportunities in Indian states like Uttar Pradesh. During a recent interaction with journalists in New Delhi, Jaishankar shared insights into India's infrastructure endeavors with neighboring countries such as Nepal, Bhutan, China, and others since the BJP came to power in India.
Jaishankar noted that the upgraded infrastructure and connectivity with Nepal have had a transformative effect on the region, benefitting areas ranging from Uttarakhand to West Bengal. The minister emphasized that India is actively working to enhance road and rail infrastructure with countries including Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. Discussions are underway with Bhutan to establish a railway link connecting India's Assam state and Bhutan.
In recent years, India has undertaken various cross-border infrastructure projects with Nepal. These projects include the completion of the Postal Highway, which connects major towns along the India-Nepal border, and the inauguration of the Jayanagar-Kurtha railway section that links India's Jayanagar with Nepal's Bardibas.
Jaishankar highlighted the ongoing efforts to facilitate people-to-people contact through these infrastructure projects. He also mentioned the progress of the Raxaul-Kathmandu rail link project, which is currently undergoing a "final location survey." This railway, once completed, is anticipated to provide a direct train connection between Kathmandu and India.
The minister stressed that border infrastructure initiatives have significantly improved India's relations with neighboring countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka. He also discussed enhanced cross-border power trade and oil pipeline projects that aim to make fuel supply to Nepal more seamless.
India's neighborhood-first policy continues to focus on strengthening rail, road, railway, border facilitation, electricity transmission, and fuel supply collaborations with neighboring countries. Integrated check posts (ICPs) at various border points have been established, and further agreements and surveys are in progress to enhance connectivity.
The extensive infrastructure improvements and connectivity enhancements underscore India's commitment to fostering stronger relationships with its neighboring countries, while also facilitating economic growth and regional development.