India-Bangladesh Border Talks Focus on Fencing, Infiltration

India and Bangladesh are set to resume director general (DG)-level talks from February 16 to 19 in New Delhi. This 55th edition of bi-annual talks, postponed twice last year, will focus on key issues, including border fencing disputes and the rise in infiltration attempts post-regime change in Bangladesh.

Focus on Border Fencing Dispute

One of the primary agenda items is the construction of a single-row fence across 92 identified patches spanning 95.8 km of the 4,096 km international border. Bangladesh has raised concerns over certain activities of the Indian Border Security Force (BSF), including alleged violations during fence construction and incidents of border killings.

India has assured that all construction follows laid-down protocols and expects Bangladesh to adhere to earlier agreements. The fencing aims to address issues like cross-border smuggling and human trafficking, which have increased in recent months.

Rising Infiltration Attempts

Infiltration attempts by Bangladeshi nationals have surged since the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government in August 2024.

• Between August and December 2024, 1,956 Bangladeshi nationals were apprehended.
• The five-month period accounted for over 50% of total apprehensions in the year.
• In 2023, 4,342 Bangladeshi nationals were caught by BSF along the border.

The Indian side is expected to highlight the links between infiltration and issues like human trafficking and illegal trade activities during the talks.

High-Level Engagements

This marks the first top-level discussion between the BSF and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) following political changes in Dhaka. Both sides aim to resolve border disputes and enhance bilateral cooperation.

The Joint Record of Discussions (JRD), signed at the end of the meeting, will summarize key agreements and pave the way for future collaborations.

Historical Context of DG-Level Talks

Initiated in 1975, DG-level border talks were initially held annually but became bi-annual in 1993, alternating between New Delhi and Dhaka. These discussions play a crucial role in maintaining border security and addressing bilateral issues