In bid to boost India’s relations with its neighbours, the government has signed agreements with Bangladesh and South Korea, under which Doordarshan India will be available in those countries, while their state channels will be shown on DD Free Dish.
The government has decided to show BTV World, a channel owned by Bangladesh TV, on the Doordarshan Free Dish which will be available for the viewers of Doordarshan in India, an official statement said.
At the same time, DD India would be made available in Bangladesh, it said.
“India has entered into an agreement with Bangladesh so that DD India will be shown on Bangladesh TV. In return, Bangladesh’s official channel will also be available in India on DD Free Dish. DD Free dish is available in 35 million households,” Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said.
The move is part of a robust cultural exchange in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Act East policy, he said.
The government has also approved the proposal of Prasar Bharati for making available the KBS World, an English 24×7 channel of government of Republic of South Korea on the DD Free Dish for the Indian viewers.
Simultaneously, people of South Korea would be able to view DD India in their country.
The arrangement with Bangladesh is as a result of an MoU signed between Prasar Bharati and Bangladesh TV (BTV) May 7, 2019.
BTV World would be of special interest to the viewers of eastern India and the decision marks an important watershed moment in strengthening of ties between the two countries, the statement said.
The pact comes after an earlier decision taken by the two governments to co-produce a film on Banga Bandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, which will be directed by eminent film director/producer Shyam Benegal.
