Japan, Bangladesh ties bring India in focus

Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman met with his Japanese counterpart Sanae Takaichi during his visit to Japan, with a focus on their collaborative Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt (BIG-B) initiative. This initiative aims to expand supply chain networks and regional transport links across South Asia and Southeast Asia, including Bangladesh's Matarbari deep-sea port, Northeast India, Nepal, and Bhutan.

The two nations have upgraded their 2014 BIG-B plan into a more comprehensive Big-B for Shared Prosperity framework, aiming to safeguard their economic autonomy and tackle geopolitical risks, according to a joint statement following their meeting. The initiative is centered around the Matarbari port, which Japan has assisted in developing.

Japanese Foreign Minister Takaichi emphasized that Bangladesh and Japan are key partners in realizing the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP). Rahman, the Bangladeshi Prime Minister, is spearheading the development of the Bay of Bengal region, while Japan is working on strengthening supply chains, connectivity, and trade and investment in the area.

Japan's investments in infrastructure projects in Bangladesh are aimed at facilitating India's landlocked northeastern region's connectivity with the Bay of Bengal. India welcomed Japan's growing economic and technological engagement with the northeastern states, stating that various initiatives are being undertaken to further strengthen bilateral cooperation.