In a recent address during the BIMSTEC Energy Conclave organized by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Pranay Verma, the Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, highlighted the importance of energy cooperation and electricity trade among BIMSTEC countries. 

He commended the signing of the MoU on the establishment of BIMSTEC Grid Interconnection as a significant step towards strengthening regional collaboration.

The High Commissioner lauded the growing cooperation in the power and energy sector between India and Bangladesh, underscoring the impact of the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline. 

The pipeline, inaugurated in March, can transport one million Metric Tonnes Per Annum of High-Speed Diesel to Bangladesh in an eco-friendly manner with a minimal carbon footprint.

During the event, High Commissioner Pranay Verma emphasized the significance of regional cooperation within BIMSTEC, particularly in the face of global uncertainties.

One of the key proposals highlighted by the High Commissioner was the 765 kV cross-border electricity interconnection project between Katihar (India), Parbatipur (Bangladesh), and Boranagar (India). 

The project’s potential is to revolutionize intra-regional electricity trade and its role in encouraging investments in the Renewable Energy Sector, promoting clean energy generation and transmission in the region.

The High Commissioner stressed the importance of enhancing connectivity between India and Bangladesh to achieve sub-regional connectivity goals under BIMSTEC. 

Examples of such efforts include the restoration of pre-1965 railway linkages, cross-border buses, the Protocol on Inland Waterways Trade and Transit (PIWTT), and a Coastal Shipping Agreement.

Regarding trade within the BIMSTEC region, High Commissioner Pranay Verma acknowledged the measures India and Bangladesh took to improve cross-border trade and immigration infrastructure. 

Upgrading infrastructure at 36 Land Customs Stations was mentioned as a significant step towards boosting intra-BIMSTEC trade.

In digital connectivity, both countries actively promote digitization, innovation, and entrepreneurship collaboration. 

The recent inauguration of the India-Bangladesh’ Start Up Bridge’ platform allows startup communities to engage, share knowledge, explore niche markets, and foster business collaborations.

Highlighting India’s foreign policy priorities, High Commissioner Verma reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’ and ‘Act East Policy,’ which align closely with BIMSTEC’s principles. 

India’s pledge support in enhancing regional cooperation within the BIMSTEC framework and working closely with Bangladesh and other partner countries to make the organization more effective and result-oriented.

The BIMSTEC Energy Conclave witnessed the participation of prominent figures, including Tenzin Lekphell, Secretary General of BIMSTEC, ambassadors from Myanmar and Bhutan, Chairman of Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission, and the President of India-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IBCCI). 

The presence of members from ICC and IBCCI further added to the event’s significance in fostering collaboration and partnership among the BIMSTEC member countries.