India wants part in Bangabandhu-1 satellite mission, says Modi

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his ‘earnest intent’ to take the country’s cooperation with Bangladesh to the sphere of space.

“The two countries have set an example of how relations between the neighbours should be, of how to make an inter-dependent world,” he said on Wednesday.

He made the remarks at the inauguration of the supply of 100 MW electricity supply from India and 10 GBPS internet bandwidth from Bangladesh to Tripura.

Modi and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina both inaugurated the facilities through video-conferencing.

Referring to the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) connectivity deal, the Indian leader said, “We have already started working together on road connectivity. Today, we are forging a new bond through electricity sharing. We are also working together on digital connectivity, a must for the 21st century.

“This means Bangladesh and India are going forward hand in hand in the spheres of land, water and space.

“I have said earlier that we should work together in the sphere of space. It is India’s earnest desire that India wants to be with Bangladesh in the Bangabandhu satellite [project].”

In 2012, the Bangladesh government initiated the project for the Bangabandhu-1 Satellite and Tk 29.68 billion was cleared for it in 2014.

In January this year, Bangladesh signed a deal with Moscow-based Intersputnik for taking on lease an orbital slot for the satellite.

The government hopes to launch the satellite by the end of 2017.

At the beginning of his speech, Modi greeted Hasina in Bengali. He also used Bengali to wish Bangladesh a happy Independence Day on Mar 26.

The Bangladesh-India World Twenty20 match, scheduled for Wednesday evening, too, came up in his speech.

Modi said, “India is celebrating the Holi festival today… It is also celebrated in some parts of Bangladesh. It is a significant day for another reason -- Bangladesh-India T20 match. My best wishes for both the teams.”

“When Bangladesh and India play [against each other], then sportsman spirit reigns over win and defeat… I hope our two teams will play with friendly sportsmanship today.”