Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina, Monday jointly unveiled e-plaques for development projects in Bangladesh, through video conferencing.

Both the leaders unveiled e-plaques for the supply of buses and trucks, the inauguration of 36 community clinics, 11 water treatment plants, and extension of National Knowledge Network to Bangladesh.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Modi said Ms. Hasina’s vision is the biggest inspiration for stronger connectivity between India and Bangladesh. He said today’s unveilings will boost not just transport connectivity, but also knowledge connectivity.

Mr Modi said the National Knowledge Network will connect scholars and research institutes in Bangladesh, to India and the world.

He said the buses and trucks would assist the efforts towards affordable public transportation; water treatment plants will help supply clean water; and community clinics will benefit about two lakh people, in Bangladesh. Mr Modi said these projects show that the India-Bangladesh relations are playing a key role in improving the quality of life of people.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was appreciative of, and reiterated Indian support for the ambitious development targets set by Prime Minister Hasina, for Bangladesh. He expressed confidence that bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh will continue to grow even further.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said the two sides should now set more ambitious targets, aimed at preserving the special character of the India-Bangladesh ties. She said, in the years ahead, the two countries should work together to realize the promise of a fully-integrated neighbourhood, in which transport and energy links are restored.

She said, partnership between the two sides is the best example of how cooperation for the mutual benefit not only brings prosperity but also reduces space for extremism.

The Minister said, in the last five years, cooperation in security, and the shared strong commitment to eradicating terror has developed in tandem with closer political cooperation and committed efforts to improve the lives of the people.