The India-Bangladesh border issue involves complex historical, geographical, and socio-political factors. The border, stretching over 4,096 kilometers, is one of the longest international borders in the world. Key aspects of the border issue include land disputes, migration, and bilateral agreements.
The India-Bangladesh border issue has its roots in the partition of British India in 1947, which led to the creation of India and Pakistan. The eastern part of Pakistan, known as East Pakistan, later became Bangladesh after its independence in 1971. The partition created several border-related issues due to incomplete demarcation and the presence of enclaves and disputed territories.
Land Disputes and Enclaves: The India-Bangladesh border initially had numerous enclaves—territories of one country completely surrounded by the other. The complex arrangement led to issues of administration and control. The most notable was the presence of 111 Indian enclaves in Bangladesh and 51 Bangladeshi enclaves in India. These were resolved through the Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) of 2015.
Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) 2015: The LBA was a significant step towards resolving long-standing border issues. It aimed to:
The agreement was ratified by both countries and marked a major milestone in border management.
Migration and Security Concerns: One of the major issues on the India-Bangladesh border is illegal migration. India is concerned about the influx of migrants from Bangladesh, which it cites as a security and economic challenge. Conversely, Bangladesh claims that migration issues are driven by economic disparity and seeks better management of the border to address this.
Border Management and Security: Both countries face challenges related to border security, including cross-border smuggling, trafficking, and insurgent activities. The Indian Border Security Force (BSF) and the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) work together to manage these issues, but challenges persist due to the porous nature of the border.
Water Sharing: The border regions are also affected by water-sharing issues. Rivers like the Teesta and Ganges flow through both countries, leading to disputes over water allocation. Agreements on river water sharing have been a point of negotiation, impacting agriculture and livelihoods in the border regions.
Humanitarian and Social Impact: The border issue affects the lives of residents in border areas, particularly those in enclaves and migration-affected regions. The resolution of enclave disputes has improved living conditions for many people.
Diplomatic Relations: The border issue has implications for India-Bangladesh diplomatic relations. Cooperative management of the border and agreements like the LBA have helped improve bilateral relations, though challenges remain.
Economic Development: Improved border management has the potential to enhance economic ties between India and Bangladesh, fostering trade and investment. However, unresolved issues can impact cross-border economic activities.
As of recent developments, India and Bangladesh continue to engage in diplomatic efforts to address unresolved issues and enhance cooperation. The bilateral relationship has seen improvements in various areas, including trade, connectivity, and cultural exchanges. However, challenges such as illegal migration, border security, and water sharing remain areas of focus for ongoing discussions.
The India-Bangladesh border issue is a crucial area of study for UPSC aspirants, encompassing aspects of international relations, border management, and socio-economic impacts. Understanding the historical context, key disputes, and current status of the border issue is essential for grasping the complexities of South Asian geopolitics and regional cooperation.
The main issues include:
The Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) of 1974 was a treaty between India and Bangladesh to resolve their land boundary disputes. It involved:
The key features of the 2015 Land Boundary Agreement include:
Chhit Mahals refer to territories located within Indian borders but surrounded by Bangladeshi territory and vice versa. They were part of the unresolved border issues prior to the 2015 LBA. These areas were significant because they represented administrative and logistical challenges and were resolved through the LBA.
The major river disputes involve:
Initiatives include:
The border issue has had various impacts on bilateral relations:
Recent developments include:
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