India-Bangladesh cooperation a win-win for both countries, says US diplomat

A senior US diplomat posted in Kolkata says India and Bangladesh’s cooperation especially through Tripura is a perfect example of how both can be in a win-win situation with improved and increased connectivity.

“The United States is involved with the power sector here because the gas turbine, the power-generating plant here in Tripura is from the General Electric and made in the US. I think it is an example how all of us adding different pieces of the puzzle together can make a fuller picture,” said US Consul-General in Kolkata Craig L Hall in Agartala on Monday.

“But I think more importantly, Tripura is an example of the potential in the Northeast for increased regional connectivity and expanded economic connectivity in the region. Because Tripura is setting an example by sharing electricity with Bangladesh, taking internet bandwith from Bangladesh and now the rail line is coming to Tripura,

“I know work is underway on the roads and later the railway to the Chittagong port,” Hall said.

“So I think the Americans look at Tripura as an example of the potential of regional connectivity and we are looking for ways that not just the United States but even Indian companies and companies of the region could do more to be involved in the economy here in an regional kind of way and we think that not just for Tripura but all of the Northeast.”

Hall along with his wife, Meeryung, had a discussion on various issues including regional connectivity and economic cooperation with Chief Minister Manik Sarkar of the Left-ruled Tripura state.

Meeryung sang a song composed by Rabindranath Tagore during a musical programme in the afternoon organised by the Tripura government and US Consulate General, Kolkata.