Context: New Delhi recently summoned Bangladesh’s Acting High Commissioner to India to address matters concerning border security and fencing-related issues.
What are the India-Bangladesh border guidelines?
- 1975 Joint Guidelines: Under the 1975 Joint India-Bangladesh Guidelines for Border Authorities, both nations are prohibited from constructing defense structures within 150 yards of the international border. This restriction applies to any structure considered defensive, including fencing.
- Defense Structures: While India does not categorize wire fencing as a defense structure, Bangladesh and Pakistan view it differently, resulting in contrasting interpretations of its legality and impact along the border.
What are the issues between India and Bangladesh?
- Fencing Disputes: A key issue stems from India’s construction of barbed wire fencing along the border, which Bangladesh asserts is a breach of the 1975 agreement. Recent incidents in areas like Malda and Cooch Behar have intensified tensions, with Bangladesh’s Border Guards attempting to block these activities.
- Cross-Border Crime: India defends the fencing as essential for tackling cross-border crimes such as smuggling and trafficking. However, Bangladesh contends that these actions disrupt the lives of local residents and infringe on their sovereignty.
- Diplomatic Tensions: The situation has escalated into diplomatic friction, with both nations summoning each other’s diplomats to raise concerns about border management policies.
Why need to fence the India-Bangladesh border?
- Preventing Cross-Border Crimes: Fencing plays a vital role in reducing the smuggling of goods, drugs, arms, and human trafficking, which are significant issues in border regions. For instance, areas like Malda in West Bengal have experienced high levels of cattle smuggling, which fencing helps mitigate.
- Controlling Unauthorized Crossings: Physical barriers are essential for managing illegal immigration and unauthorized movements across the border, which can strain resources and pose security risks. For example, Assam has faced demographic changes due to illegal migration, leading to political and social tensions.
- Addressing Geographical Challenges: The unique geography of the border, with rivers and villages situated close to the boundary, makes monitoring challenging, requiring physical barriers. For example, in regions like Cooch Behar and the Dahagram–Angarpota enclave, fencing helps define the border clearly and prevent disputes.
What are the steps taken by the Indian Government?
- Current Status: By early 2025, approximately 3,180.65 kilometers of the border have been fenced, leaving around 915.35 kilometers yet to be completed. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has set a new deadline of March 2024 for completion, but various challenges may delay this target.
- Mixed Barriers Strategy: For the unfenced sections, the government intends to implement a combination of physical and non-physical barriers. This includes deploying advanced technologies such as sensors and surveillance systems in areas where traditional fencing is not viable due to geographical challenges.
- Enhanced Security Measures: In addition to fencing, plans are in place to increase floodlighting, establish more border outposts, and upgrade integrated checkposts to strengthen border security further.
Way forward:
- Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation: Enhance dialogue platforms, including flag meetings and joint consultations, to amicably resolve disputes and reach mutual consensus on border management practices, including the construction of fencing.
- Integrated Border Management: Adopt smart border strategies that merge advanced surveillance technology with community engagement to address security challenges while reducing the impact on local residents.
