Question

The current phase of India- Bangladesh bi-lateral relations is described as “the golden chapter” but there are many “unresolved issues”. In this context, what initiatives should be taken by both the government to resolve these unresolved issues?

Answer 1

The relationship between India and Bangladesh is anchored in history, culture, language and shared values of secularism, democracy, and countless other commonalities between the two countries.

The current phase is described as golden chapter due to many initiatives taken by both the Countries such as

• Resolution of long pending land and maritime boundaries including the issue of enclaves
• Conclusion of over 90 agreements including in high tech areas, such as space, IT, electronics, cyber security and civil nuclear energy
• Increase of bilateral trade from $7billionto$ 9 billion (an increase of 28.5 per cent)

But there are many unresolved issues between the two countries like:

1. Issue of Illegal Immigrants : Since the 1971 war of independence that created the state of Bangladesh, millions of Bangladeshi immigrants (the vast majority of them illegal) have poured into India. This is changing the demography of northeastern states which is causing unrest there.Bangladeshi officials have denied the existence of Bangladeshis living in India.
2. River Disputes : There are many river disputes between these two countries regarding water sharing like Farakka barrage, Teesta River Dispute and Barak River dispute.
3. Border Management: The Indo- Bangladesh border is porous in nature which provides pathway for smuggling,trafficking in arms and drugs.

Initiatives required for resolving these disputes:

1. For solving water dispute like Teesta two countries set up a joint water commission to ascertain the level of water flowing and the quantum of water that can be shared. Along with the concerned state governments should also be taken into consideration so that amicable and sustainable solution can be reached regarding water dispute.
2. For solving illegal Immigrants issue India should raise voice against these illegal immigrants with Bangladesh. Bangladesh should provide concrete time guidelines within which these migrants should be emigrated to Bangladesh.
3. For solving the issue of border management confidence building measures should be
4. Taken like joint patrolling, improving the border infrastructure and Border haat should be promoted.