On July 31, 2015, India and Bangladesh signed a historic deal to settle their land boundary dispute, which had been lingering on for over four decades. The agreement swapped more than 150 enclaves of land that were trapped on the “wrong” side of the border, and demarcated a new boundary between the two countries.
The India-Bangladesh land boundary agreement is a significant development for the two nations, marking a new era of friendship and cooperation. It is a testament to the dedication and perseverance of both governments to resolve their differences peacefully and amicably, without resorting to violence or aggression.
The dispute over the land boundary between India and Bangladesh dates back to British colonial times, when the Radcliffe Line was drawn in 1947 to divide India and Pakistan into two countries. However, the Radcliffe Line did not take into account the complex nature of the border between India and East Pakistan (which later became Bangladesh in 1971), leaving many pockets of land on both sides of the border with no clear ownership.
The enclaves, which were created due to the Radcliffe Line, left thousands of people without access to basic services, such as healthcare, education, and electricity. The residents of these enclaves were effectively stateless, as they were not recognized as citizens of either India or Bangladesh.
The land boundary agreement, which was signed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, resolved these issues by redrawing the border and exchanging enclaves. Under the agreement, India ceded 111 enclaves, covering an area of 17,160 acres, to Bangladesh, while Bangladesh ceded 51 enclaves, covering an area of 7,110 acres, to India.
The new boundary will run along the main channel of the rivers that flow between the two countries, such as the Brahmaputra, the Teesta, and the Ganga. This will allow people living near these rivers to access basic services and improve their standard of living.
The land boundary agreement also addresses the long-standing issue of undocumented migrants from Bangladesh living in India. Under the agreement, India will grant citizenship to approximately 14,000 residents of the enclaves who had been living in India without any legal status. This will provide them with access to government services, such as healthcare and education.
Overall, the India-Bangladesh land boundary agreement is a historic achievement that will have a significant impact on the lives of millions of people living in the affected areas. It is a testament to the power of cooperation and diplomacy in resolving complex issues, and sets an example for other nations to follow.