The India-Bangladesh Land Boundary Agreement: A Comprehensive Guide for UPSC Candidates
The India-Bangladesh Land Boundary Agreement is an important topic for UPSC aspirants preparing for their exams. The agreement, signed in 2015, is an important diplomatic achievement for both countries, ending a long-standing dispute over their shared border. In this article, we will take a look at the history of the dispute, the terms of the agreement, and its significance for both countries.
Background
The border dispute between India and Bangladesh dates back to the partition of India in 1947. At the time, there was no clear demarcation of the border between India and East Pakistan (which later became Bangladesh). Over the years, various attempts were made to resolve the issue, but progress was slow.
In 1974, India and Bangladesh signed the Land Boundary Agreement, which was meant to settle the border dispute. However, the agreement was not implemented due to political opposition in both countries. For the next four decades, the dispute continued to simmer, with occasional clashes between border guards.
In 2011, a breakthrough was achieved when both countries agreed to a new Land Boundary Agreement. The agreement was ratified by both parliaments in 2015, leading to the formal resolution of the border dispute.
Terms of the Agreement
The India-Bangladesh Land Boundary Agreement involves the exchange of enclaves, which are small territories that are surrounded by the territory of another country. Prior to the agreement, there were 111 Indian enclaves in Bangladesh and 51 Bangladeshi enclaves in India. Under the agreement, the enclaves were exchanged, with India receiving 51 enclaves from Bangladesh and giving up 111 enclaves to Bangladesh.
In addition, the agreement involved the exchange of land strips, which are narrow stretches of land that connect two parts of a country. India received 111 such strips from Bangladesh, while Bangladesh received 5 strips from India.
Significance of the Agreement
The India-Bangladesh Land Boundary Agreement is a significant diplomatic achievement for both countries. It has ended a long-standing dispute and opened up new opportunities for cooperation in trade, tourism, and other areas. The agreement has also improved the lives of people living in the enclaves, who now have access to basic services such as healthcare and education.
For India, the agreement is important because it has resolved a major border dispute with a neighboring country. This has strengthened India`s diplomatic position in the region and improved its relations with Bangladesh, which is an important trading partner. The agreement is also significant because it has helped to promote regional stability and security.
For Bangladesh, the agreement is important because it has resolved a long-standing border dispute with India. This has improved Bangladesh`s relations with India and opened up new opportunities for trade and investment. The agreement has also improved the lives of people living in the enclaves, who now have access to basic services.
Conclusion
The India-Bangladesh Land Boundary Agreement is an important topic for UPSC aspirants preparing for their exams. It is a significant diplomatic achievement for both countries, ending a long-standing border dispute and opening up new opportunities for cooperation. Aspirants should be familiar with the history of the dispute, the terms of the agreement, and its significance for both countries.