In a response to rising tensions, India’s Ministry of External Affairs summoned Bangladesh’s Deputy High Commissioner, Nural Islam, following a similar move by Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry the day before. The diplomatic exchange centers around recent concerns over activities at the India-Bangladesh border.
On Sunday, Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry expressed its deep concern to Indian High Commissioner to Dhaka, Pranay Verma, regarding the actions of India’s Border Security Force (BSF) along the 4,156-kilometre border between the two countries. Bangladesh raised alarms over India’s alleged efforts to build fences at five specific points, which they argue violate an existing bilateral agreement that governs border-related activities.
During his meeting with Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary, Ambassador Md Jashim Uddin, which lasted about 45 minutes, High Commissioner Verma emphasized that both nations share understandings on border security and cooperation, particularly on fencing measures to control illegal activities. Verma assured that India’s Border Security Force (BSF) and Bangladesh’s Border Guard (BGB) were in regular communication to ensure collaborative efforts in addressing border security concerns.
Historical ties between India and Bangladesh have generally been stable, but diplomatic relations have seen challenges in the past, particularly after the 2007 political upheavals in Bangladesh. Tensions between the two countries remain sensitive, especially concerning border security measures and the broader political context.
As both nations work through these diplomatic challenges, it is hoped that continued communication and cooperation will prevent further escalation in their bilateral relations.
