Conrad Sangma, chief minister of the Northeast Indian state of Meghalaya called on India’s External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in Delhi on Tuesday and sought her intervention to renew road links between Bangladesh and Meghalaya and reminded her about the Dhaka-Shillong and Dhaka-Tura routes.
In response, the external affairs minister gave her assurance that this matter would be discussed during the North East Chief Ministers meet to be held in New Delhi on May 4.
Swaraj also assured that the Indian government’s assistance would be extended to Meghalaya and other northeastern states for improving relationships with neighbouring countries and enhancing trade and cultural ties with them.
The Meghalaya chief minister said that his state shares a 443km border with Bangladesh and a new policy, "Act South" will ensure that trade and commerce flourish in the region.
The CM also proposed to issue work permits to Bangladeshi nationals for helping to contain the problem of infiltration.
Sushma Swaraj said the matter would be on the agenda.