In recent years, diplomatic ties between India and Bangladesh have experienced significant advancements, attributable primarily to concerted endeavors by both governmental authorities and civil society
India and Bangladesh have had a shared history that goes beyond their current geopolitical makeup. India played a crucial role in the Bangladeshi war of independence. Their contribution and military involvement spurring a more decisive and quicker victory. The two countries have, throughout the years; made significant progress in resolving major issues. As a result of these efforts, India and Bangladesh are enjoying a long period of strong and friendly bilateral relations. Spurred by both government’s eagerness to cooperate on a myriad of issues. Consequently, of these efforts, border disputes, such as enclaves, maritime boundaries were resolved amicably and with mutual respect.
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Cooperation and Coordination
Promoting people-to-people contact is essential. Facilitating visa processes, boosting trade, encouraging tourism, supporting educational and cultural exchanges can foster mutual understanding, respect, and appreciation. among the people of both countries, who share historical, economic and cultural elements. By increasing the interaction and communication between the people, India and Bangladesh can also create a more positive image about each other.
India and Bangladesh have the opportunity and necessity to further promote their bilateral relations by participating more actively and constructively in the regional forums and initiatives, such as the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), and the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) sub-regional group. These forums and initiatives can provide a platform for India and Bangladesh to work together on various areas of common interest and benefit, such as trade, connectivity, energy, environment, and development. By increasing their regional cooperation, India and Bangladesh can also contribute to the peace and stability of South Asia and the Bay of Bengal region.
In recent years, diplomatic ties between India and Bangladesh have experienced significant advancements, attributable primarily to concerted endeavors by both governmental authorities and civil society. The two countries have signed several agreements on trade, connectivity, energy, water, and security, and have resolved long-standing disputes over land and maritime boundaries. They have also increased people-to-people contact through cultural, educational, and tourism exchanges. Moreover, they have enhanced mutual trust and cooperation on law enforcement, intelligence sharing, and counter-terrorism.
These positive developments raise the question: Is the border fence still necessary? Some experts argue that the fence is an outdated and ineffective measure that does not address the root causes of the problems it seeks to solve. They suggest that instead of building walls, the two countries should focus on building bridges of understanding and cooperation, based on their shared history, culture, and interests. They also point out that the current Bangladeshi government, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has not taken any action that would threaten India’s security or sovereignty, and has been a reliable partner in regional and global affairs.
The Border Fence
India embarked on the construction of a border fence in 1986, aiming to bolster security and curb cross-border crimes. However, this ambitious project has encountered numerous hurdles, including land acquisition challenges, village relocations, environmental concerns, and opposition from local communities. Despite these efforts, the fence has not been entirely successful in preventing illegal activities, with smugglers and infiltrators often finding alternative routes through rivers and forests.
The India-Bangladesh border, one of the longest and most complex in the world, spans 4,156 km and passes through various terrains, rivers, and villages. Drawn in 1947 by Sir Cyril Radcliffe, in the past, the shared border has been a constant source of issues, including illegal immigration, smuggling, terrorism, and human rights violations. While efforts by both nation’s governments have resolved or reduced most of these issues, a few key issues still linger; with both governments working actively towards their successful resolution.
Friendship, Not Fences
the India-Bangladesh border fence may be a necessary but not sufficient measure to deal with the border problems. The fence alone cannot address the root causes and the underlying factors of the few remaining border issues. Therefore, India and Bangladesh should go beyond the fence and explore other ways of strengthening their ties, such as increased bilateral diplomatic relations, deeper people-to-people contact, deepening mutual trust, law enforcement cooperation, and regional integration. These factors can help to create a more positive and constructive atmosphere between the two countries, which can ultimately negate the need for a fence. As the former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee once said, “We can change our friends, but not our neighbors.” It is time for India and Bangladesh to realize this and act accordingly.
The debate over the border fence reflects the complex and dynamic nature of the India- Bangladesh relationship, which has seen many ups and downs over the decades. The fence may be a physical barrier, but it does not have to be a political or psychological one. The two countries have shown that they can overcome their differences and work together for their mutual benefit and regional stability.
Need for Strategic Rethinking
Rethinking the fence as the sole solution is crucial. While it serves as a physical barrier, it fails to establish a psychological bond between India and Bangladesh. In fact, the presence of the fence may contribute to a sense of mistrust and hostility, hindering the prospects of cooperation and friendship. Therefore, it is imperative to explore alternative measures that focus on strengthening the ties between the two nations through diplomatic relations, people-to-people contact, mutual trust, law enforcement cooperation, and regional integration.
Instead of relying on the fence, India and Bangladesh should focus on strengthening their ties through increased bilateral diplomatic relations, people-to-people contact, mutual trust, law enforcement cooperation, and regional integration. These factors can help to build a positive and constructive relationship between the two countries, which can ultimately reduce the need for a fence. Resolving long-standing disputes, such as the sharing of river waters, is crucial. These issues have been lingering for decades and have often caused tensions and discontent between the two countries. By settling these disputes through dialogue and negotiation, India and Bangladesh can demonstrate their goodwill and commitment to each other and pave the way for further cooperation.
