India and Bangladesh inaugurated the construction works of a cross-border oil pipeline and two rail projects on Tuesday.

Via video conference, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina jointly unveiled e-plaques for the ground-breaking ceremony of the projects.

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Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister described the cooperation between the two countries as an example for the world.

He said that the two countries are geographically neighbours and emotionally a family.

The Indian PM expressed confidence that the proposed railway project will contribute to the process of strengthening national and urban transport in Bangladesh.

The train routes, connecting Dhaka to Tongi and Dhaka to Joydevpur, will be dual gauge rail lines.

PM Modi said the proposed pipeline will energise not just Bangladesh’s economy but also the relationship between the two countries.

The 130-km India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline connecting Siliguri in India with Parbatipur in Bangladesh will transport petroleum products from Numaligarh Refinery in Assam. Of the total length, 125 km will be constructed in Bangladesh and 5 km in India.

“The pipeline will help in the development of the northern Bangladesh. Though it is being done with grant-financing from India, the project will be dedicated to the people and government of Bangladesh once completed,” he said.

Praising his Bangladeshi counterpart, PM Modi said, “In just 10 days, we have unveiled five projects via video conferencing. This speed and momentum would not have been possible without your strong and efficient leadership.”

The PM ended his statement by congratulating Hasina ahead of her birthday on 28 September

“All of us here in India pray for your long life, health and success, and hope for your continued guidance in the development of Bangladesh and India-Bangladesh friendship,” Modi said.

Speaking from Dhaka, Hasina thanked PM Modi for the projects.

The Bangladeshi PM said that ever since she formed her government in Bangladesh in 2009, she has been working relentlessly to deepen ties with India.

India’s External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan were also present with PM Modi during the unveiling ceremony. Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali joined Hasina from Dhaka.