The India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline (IBFPL) is a 131.5-km pipeline that will transport 1 million metric tons of high-speed diesel from India to Bangladesh every year. The pipeline was constructed with the help of India’s grant funding and is set to be inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Key Details of the IBFPL
The IBFPL runs from Siliguri in India to Parbatipur in Bangladesh, covering seven districts of North Bangladesh. The pipeline will supply diesel, which meets the specifications for use as fuel in compression ignition engines. The fuel transport deal between the two countries will be effective for 15 years with an option for further extension.
Indo-Bangladesh Relations: A Brief Overview
India and Bangladesh share a 4096.7 Km border that passes through Assam, Tripura, Mizoram, Meghalaya, and West Bengal. The diplomatic relations between the two countries began formally in 1971. Both countries are members of SAARC, BIMSTEC, IORA, and the Commonwealth.
Historically, the relationship between the two nations is deep-rooted. Rabindranath Tagore created the national anthems of both Bangladesh and India in 1905 and 1911, respectively. Over the years, the two nations have signed several agreements on river water sharing. The Ganga Waters Treaty was signed in 1996 for sharing the waters of the river Ganga during the lean season. The Kushiyara Pact was signed, which benefited people in Southern Assam and the Sylhet region in Bangladesh.
Defense Exercises and Cooperation
India and Bangladesh have been participating in various defense exercises and have been cooperating on security issues. The two nations conduct the Exercise Sampriti and Bongo Sagar. The Sampriti exercise is an annual joint military exercise conducted by the Indian and Bangladesh Army, which focuses on counter-terrorism operations. The Bongo Sagar exercise is a bilateral naval exercise aimed at strengthening the naval cooperation between the two nations.
The Significance of IBFPL
The India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline is significant in many ways. First, it will enhance the energy security of Bangladesh by ensuring a continuous supply of fuel. Second, the pipeline will contribute to the economic development of both countries. Third, the pipeline will reduce the transportation costs and make fuel cheaper for the people of Bangladesh. Fourth, the project will create employment opportunities for people in both countries.
Why In News
“Fueling Ties: Inauguration of India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline by Modi and Hasina” – This short heading highlights the significance of the upcoming inauguration ceremony by the two prime ministers and emphasizes the importance of the IBFPL project for strengthening ties between the two nations.
MCQs on Significance of IBFPL
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What is the length of the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline (IBFPL)?
A. 100 km
B. 131.5 km
C. 150 km
D. 200 km
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What kind of fuel will be transported through the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline?
A. Gasoline
B. Diesel
C. Kerosene
D. Ethanol
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What is the duration of the fuel transport deal between India and Bangladesh?
A. 5 years
B. 10 years
C. 15 years
D. 20 years
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Which of the following exercises is a joint military exercise conducted by the Indian and Bangladesh Army?
A. Exercise Bongo Sagar
B. Exercise Sampriti
C. Exercise Malabar
D. Exercise Varuna
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