India-Bangladesh Border Disputes

General Studies Paper -2

Context: India summoned the Bangladesh Acting High Commissioner to India over security measures at the border.

Reasons for India-Bangladesh Border Disputes

• As per the 1975 Joint India-Bangladesh Guidelines for Border Authorities, no defence structures can be built within 150 yards from the zero line of the border.
• India does not consider wire fencing a defence structure, while Bangladesh and Pakistan do.
• Impact on Border Residents: The construction of fencing, especially in densely populated border areas, has led to practical challenges for local populations.
• CCTV and Electronic Surveillance: India has implemented high-tech surveillance systems, including CCTV cameras and electronic gadgets, to monitor the border.
• This has raised concerns in Bangladesh about sovereignty, with accusations that such surveillance constitutes an infringement on its territorial integrity.

Need for Managing the Borders

• Security Concerns: India’s porous borders facilitate illegal crossings, smuggling of contraband, and cross-border terrorism, particularly from militant groups in Pakistan, posing significant security threats.
• Demographic Changes: Unregulated migration from Bangladesh has affected the demographic landscape in border states, leading to social strain and challenges in resource distribution.
• Infrastructure Development: Many border areas in India lack basic infrastructure such as roads, communication networks, and border outposts, hampering the effectiveness of border management efforts.

India’s border management

• Border Monitoring: Construction of fences, floodlights, roads, Border Out Posts (BOPs), and Company Operating Bases (COBs) for constant surveillance and rapid response to threats.
• Border Security Force plays a pivotal role in patrolling and safeguarding India’s borders, including handling infiltration, smuggling, and other security concerns.
• Cross-Border Trade: Construction of integrated checkposts and trade facilitation centers has streamlined customs clearance and reduced trade barriers.
• Border Area Development Programme (BADP): Launched in 1986-87 for the balanced development of border areas in states bordering Pakistan—Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Gujarat, and Rajasthan—later extended to all land borders.

Concluding remarks

• Resolving border disputes is essential for ensuring national security, particularly in light of cross-border terrorism and illegal activities.
• The Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) of 2015 between India and Bangladesh stands as a testament to the importance of diplomatic dialogue in resolving longstanding border issues.