Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar revealed that there were ongoing talks between India and Bhutan on the possible construction of a railway link between Kokrajhar of Assam and Gelephu of Bhutan. He said this rail link could have a positive impact on trade and tourism relations between the two countries.

While interacting with the media, Jaishankar acknowledged the complications of the internal situation in Myanmar, which affected multiple infrastructure projects, including the ambitious trilateral highway project involving India, Myanmar and Thailand. He noted that the trilateral highway initiative aimed at improving regional connectivity faces challenges due to the ongoing situation in Myanmar.

Jaishankar: "The internal situation in Myanmar has created obstacles for infrastructure projects. This includes the section of the trilateral highway still under construction, as well as the development of 69 bridges."

Jaishankar stressed the importance of increasing trade and tourism prospects with Bhutan via the possible Gelephu-Kokrajhar railway link along the Assam border.

The minister then underlined the emphasis that the Modi government had placed since 2014 on improving border infrastructure and developing connectivity. He also discussed connectivity projects with Bangladesh and stressed that making the Chattogram and Mogla ports in Bangladesh operational would benefit the economic interests of the northeastern states and West Bengal. He mentioned several measures that facilitate interaction between people, such as operational bus services, cross-border passenger train services and inland waterway routes.