IR_India Bangladesh _L4

IR-INDIABANGLADESH Presented by: Aaditya Mishra

Few Misc. Things •

PPT’s available for download at ISSUU.com •

Log In, Follow publisher name - Aaditya Mishra, download.

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Regards to my teachers- Mrs. Shubhra Ranjan mam and Dr. Khan.

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Separate video for Pol Sci optional subject with sources and what I feel about it.

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Feedback is still an area where we are lacking. So let us try to use this opportunity to help each other.

India Bangladesh

What to read ?

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India Bangladesh LAND BOUNDARY AGREEMENT •

illegal migration, illegal trade, drugs and human trafficking

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current state of relations and issues involved

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Teesta Water sharing agreement

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Importance of Bangladesh for India.

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Internal politics of Bangladesh- Battle of Begums and India.

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Assessment of our foreign policy.

Geography intertwines both countries India’s North East is Bangladesh locked and 
 Bangladesh is India locked

Relations •

India had played role in its formation - 1971 war

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Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was assassinated and military rule- relations nose dived.

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Relation started improving once democracy returned

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Bangladesh’s internal politics also govern our relationship •

When BNP (Khalida Zia as PM)+ Jamat-e- Islami govt. comes to power

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Awami Legaue- Sheikh Hasina’s as PM- Pro India“progressive relations"

POWER CENTRE

AWAMI LEAGUE (SHEIKH HASINA)

BANGL. NATIONALIST PARTY + JAMAT-e-Islami

TERM

Post 2008 elections: Brute majority; Post 2014 elections 232 /300 seats in Parliament because BNP boycotted the elections.

Because of Boycott by major political party this govt faces “crisis of legitimacy�

Pre 2008; Boycotted the 2014 elections on the pretext that ruling govt would not allow free and fair elections; Took to street protests and violence ; factionalism

Policies

Pro Indian policies: 1. Counter terrorism coop 2. No free hand to ISI 3. Control over fundamentalist fringe elements 4. Help in curbing anti India activities on the border front.

5. Coop in extradition

Not particularly pro India 1. Coalition partner JAMATfundamentalist, extremist elements get free hand 2. Cosies up with China and Pak 3. Less Counter terror coop

POWER CENTRE

AWAMI LEAGUE (SHEIKH HASINA)

BANGL. NATIONALIST PARTY + JAMAT-e-Islami

1. Going ahead with war crime 1. Not particularly wanting trials and punishing criminals war crime trials 2. Many leaders of JAMAT also 2. Dependent on Jamat Stands on various were hanged because of their cadres for its ground Issues roles in 1971 war crimes. activities hence ground 3. Using China, Japan and India situation becomes out of at the same time. control.

What it expects from India

1. Land Boundary 1. Not much as it is relying on agreement(done in 2015) anti India rhetoric for 2. Teesta water sharing political mobilisation. agreement 3. faster implementation of our 2. Wants to play China card with India. promises

POWER CENTRE

AWAMI LEAGUE (SHEIKH HASINA)

BANGL. NATIONALIST PARTY + JAMAT-e-Islami

What India needs to do ?

1. Faster ground implementation 1. Develop positive relations 2. A favourable Teesta water with BNP also as China sharing agreement has.

3. Transit agreement for India.

2. Develop across the party 4. Coop in energy exploration consensus. front, environmental 3. Recent meeting of EAM conservation, regulate illegal with Khalida Zia. migration issue, better people to people cooperation.

Relations •

Perception in Bangladesh that India has neglected them“benign neglect” •

we promise much but not deliver e.g. Dredgers for removing the silt- in process

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Rail link- Agartala and Akhaura - 15 kms link from 2010 bot yet completed

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Rail modernisation is a part in LOC but not yet done.

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Land bridge over River Feni - promised in 2010 not yet done.

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Not given due importance to Bangladesh in our foreign policy.

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Amb G Parthasarthi: Indian foreign policy is at times perceived to be too“Pak centric.”

Relations •

Improvement after “Look east” policy - focus on increasing the connectivity through Bangladesh.

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Bangladesh had also diversified its foreign policy and come out of India’s shadow.

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It is using its geo-strategic position, cheap labour, ports to promote economic developments.

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2nd largest textile exports, good social indicators, growing at around 7% per annum.

Diplomatically maintains good relations with China and Japan also.

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Plays China card with India n Japan and Japan Card with China.

India

India Bangladesh EAM’s 1st standalone visit in July 2014 increasing the frequency of Moitree Express, selling additional 100 MW electricity from Tripura, reducing incidents of boarder killings Start a new bus service from Dhaka-ShillongGuwahati and five year multi-entry visa to children under the age of 18 and people above the age of 65, open four more Border Haats in Meghalaya, extradite Bangladeshi criminals who use the porous border to take refuge in India after committing crime in Bangladesh.

India Bangladesh •

Sushma Swaraj also met Khalida Zia of BNP sign to India trying to build goodwill across the parties.

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BNP also changing as earlier they have refused to meet President Pranab Mukherjee

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counter: Amb Pinak RanjanChakravarti -“ BNP had dual policy- when not in power it comes close to India but when in power it cosies with China and Pakistan.

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Since Awami League relations are “progressive” •

Achievements: Zero tolerance approach towards terrorism=> ULFA terrorists to GoI.

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Mutual Legal Asstn on Extradition of criminals

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PM Manmohan Singh- India Bangladesh Comprehensive Framework Agreement on Development covered capacity building, sunderban protection, tiger conservation etc.

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Bangladesh has permitted India to use Chittagong port.

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Transit agreement => inland waterways => earlier it had to be renewed after 1 year now after 5 yrs and auto renewal.

Challenges •

Domestic politics in Bangladesh and India •

Present govt. faces “crisis of legitimacy” as in 2014 elections BNP had boycotted the election.

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India does not have across the party consensus as China.

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Domestic politics in India also at times put pressures in our foreign engagements.

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Bangladesh is passing through a volatile phase both economically and politically.

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Unsettled issues : Teesta water agreement, Illegal migration, Transit agreement.

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China is getting involved in huge way: OROB- Sonadia port, SEZ’s, supplier of military goods, BCIM project etc.

In the next part we will look at the importance of Bangladesh for India and then at the issues separately.

Importance of Bangladesh 1. Internal Security •

2003-08 BNP + Jamat allowed anti India activities, sheltered NE separatists, ISI operated freely, ISI used “open and porous” border for fake currency, drugs smuggling.

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2008 when Awami League came to power- separatists camp closed, terror camps raided.

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Illegal cattle trade @borders, human trafficking etc.

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Open n porous border, riverine border (changes seasonally) and issue of undemarcated border (6.1km)(now solved with LBA)

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Enclaves- no police action was possible, refugees used it as hub for illegal activities, excuse for migration etc. (now solved with LBA)

2. Illegal Migrants Issue who is Illegal migrant ?=> Sec 2(b) of Ctzn Amnd Act, 2003 illegal migrant" means a foreigner who has entered into India(i) without a valid passport or other travel documents and such other document or authority as may be prescribed by or under any law in that behalf; or (ii) with a valid passport or other travel documents and such other document or authority as may be prescribed by or under any law in that behalf but remains therein beyond the permitted period of time; •

2. Illegal Migrants Issue •

History •

Goes pre independence —> Nawab of Assam initiated “Grow More Food Campaign” after Bengal famine and attack over Burma by Japanese (Burma was 15% rise provider for East India at that time)

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During civil war in East Pak => persecution threats faced by Hindu’s - cause for India’s involvement in 1971 war.

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Most affected states are: Tripura, Assam and WB.

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Tripura has faced “demographic inversion” - now tribals are a minority.

2. Illegal Migrants Issue •

AH Mahmood Ali (foreign minister statement 2014) : “illegal migrant issue did not come up in the talks with EAM Mrs. Swaraj”

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This is core issue: “Bangladesh’s long standing policy has been denying claims of any illegal migration”

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So when the other side doesn't even recognise the problem solving it bilaterally becomes a problem.

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Amb Veena Sikri: When it is not discussed in Joint Commissions it becomes a topic of political rallies in WB & Assam (clashes btw Bengali locals and Muslims)

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Minorities are threatened in Bangladesh (1970’s - 20% Hindu’s, now <10 % Hindu’s.)

2. Illegal Migrants Issue •

Porous border and racial similarity makes it more complex

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Irrationally drawn border - Radcliffe line - correction done in LBA - pragmatic approach - discussed ahead

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Lack of coop from Bangladeshi security forces - no night duty from their side, involvement in dalali

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Push factors => poverty, unemployment, natural disasters, water scarcity, power shortages etc.

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Pull factors => prospects of better life in India, Indian factory owners also find it lucrative etc.

Impact of Illegal Migration •

Political Violence in NE •

main reason why AASU( all Assam Students Union) led the Assam movement popular movement against undocumented immigrants in Assam.

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The movement, led by All Assam Students Union (AASU) and the 'All Assam Gana Sangram Parishad' (AAGSP), developed a program of protests and demonstration to compel the government to identify and expel illegal immigrants. The agitation programs were largely nonviolent, but the Nellie massacre was a case of extreme violence. The agitation program ended in August 1985 following the Assam Accord, which was signed by leaders of AASU-AAGSP and the Government of India.

Impact of Illegal Migration •

Often Indian ctzn also suffer because it is difficult to differentiate between genuine Indian citizens and those who have obtained ctzn by fraud.

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Many Illegal immigrants carry voter ID cards, ration cards etc. participating in the political process => leads to issue being used for pol gains.

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Creates pressure on Indian resources => ration cards, PDS etc.

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Involved in terror activities (Burdwan Blast), human trafficking etc.

2. Illegal Migrants Issue- Steps taken •

India has a policy to “stop migration” and “push back.”

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Building of “electric barbed wire fences”

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India also adopts “deportation.”

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India pushed the issue 1st time this in 1992 in the JOINT COMM.

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In BJP’s 2014 election rally - “amending the ctzn act and providing ctznship to Hindu migrants”who migrated because of threat of "religious persecution”.

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National Register of Citizens (NRC) is expected to identify those who illegally entered Assam after 1971.

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read further on differences btw NRC and NPR

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MoU between the coast guards of the two countries will strengthen joint efforts in curtailing the illegal movement of goods, human trafficking and piracy in the Bay of Bengal

==REF NOTES ====> WHAT IS NATIONAL REGISTER OF CITIZENS (NRC)?

The Na'onal Register of Ci'zens (NRC) is the register containing details of all Indian ci*zens.

Ci'zenship being a subject of the Union List, policy decisions, guidelines and funds for NRC upda'on are provided by the Central Government but its implementa'on is done through the State Government machinery under the guidance of the Registrar General of India who func'ons as the Registrar General of Ci'zen Registra'on.

1ST TIME IN => AMer conduc'ng the Census of 1951, the Na'onal Register of Ci'zens (NRC) was prepared by recording par'culars of all the persons enumerated during the 1951 Census.

WHAT IS NRC 1951?

AMer the conduct of the Census of 1951, a Na'onal Register of Ci'zens (NRC) was prepared in respect of each village showing the houses or holdings in a serial order and indica'ng against each house or holding the number and names of persons staying therein, and in respect of each individual, the father’s name/mother’s name or husband’s name, na'onality, sex, age, marital status, educa'onal qualifica'on, means of livelihood or occupa'on and visible iden'fica'on mark.

This was done by copying out in registers the parMculars recorded during the Census done in 1951.

This NRC was prepared under a direc*ve from the Ministry of Home affairs (MHA).

These registers covered each and every person enumerated during the Census of 1951 and were kept in the offices of Deputy Commissioners and Sub Divisional Officers according to instruc'ons issued by the Government of India in 1951. Later these registers were transferred to the Police in the early 1960s.

WHAT IS NRC UPDATION? Na'onal Register of Ci'zens (NRC) upda'on basically means the process of enlisMng the names of all ciMzens residing in Assam at the Mme of NRC updaMon.

HOW WILL THE NRC BE UPDATED? The NRC will be updated as per the provisions of The CiMzenship Act, 1955 and The CiMzenship (RegistraMon of CiMzens and Issue of NaMonal IdenMty Cards) Rules, 2003.

As per the two statutes, the ci'zenship status would be ascertained based on the NRC, 1951, Electoral Rolls up to the midnight of 24th March, 1971(25TH MARCH INDO PAK WAR BEGAN) and in their absence the liat od admissible documents of Pre-1971 period.

Who is eligible for inclusion in updated NRC? • Persons whose names appear in NRC, 1951.

• Persons whose names appear in the Electoral Rolls up to 24th March (midnight), 1971.

• Descendants of the above persons

• Persons who came to Assam from Bangladesh between 1st January, 1966 and 25th March, 1971 and registered themselves with the Foreigner Regional Registra'on Office (FRRO) and declared by the Foreigner Tribunal as Indian ci'zen.

• Persons who can provide any of the admissible documents issued upto 24th March midnight, 1971.

• Original inhabitants of Assam whose Indian Ci'zenship status is proved beyond any doubt.

2. Illegal Migrants Issue- What should be done •

Talk to Bangladesh govt - get them to understand the complexity and push it in Joint Comm talks agenda. India should make it clear that we understand that the Bangladeshi govt has no policy of pushing the migrants but must recognise this as an issue.

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Can address the issue indirectly under “HUMAN trafficking” and Border Mgmt commissions.

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Can use SAARC CONV on HUMAN TRAFFICKING for finding a solution to the issue.

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We need to “sensitise the Bangladeshi govt about the hardship and exploitation of migrants”

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India can help in tackling the “push factors” ( energy coop, development aid, LOC, rail modernisation, HEP etc. )

2. Illegal Migrants Issue- What should be done •

Issue of enclaves, adverse possession, undemarcated borders etc. have been dealt with in LBA.

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Border areas to be developed as “areas of prosperity” through use of Border haats etc.

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Practical solution can be” Issuing “work permits” to migrants •

help in regularising and regulating the movement

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would also help in protecting their rights agst exploitation.

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India can have similar provisions like we have with Nepal and Sri Lanka.

In the next part we would discuss Teesta water sharing issue and Transit agreement

Water Sharing •

54 transnational rivers btw India and Bangladesh.

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Bangladesh being lower riparian state has concerns regarding India’s HEP in upper river streams.

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Only 1 agreement till date : Ganga water sharing agreement 1996 •

Bangladesh objected to const of Farakka Barrage to maintain Calcutta port and to address the needs of city industries.

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Bangladesh took the issue in UNGA in 1976

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1996 - 30 yrs agreement was signed by Awami League but was opposed by BNP

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as per the agreement 1. During lean seasons (Jan- May) distribution of water will be 50:50 if flow is < 70k cusecs 2. if > 70k cusecs then India will get 40k cusecs and rest Bangladesh.

Water Sharing â&#x20AC;˘

India, Nepal and Bangladesh may jointly undertake projects for development and management of hydro- power and water resources which would help augment the dry season flows, generate huge hydro-power, improve regional navigation, increase fish production, restore fragile environment of the Ganges basin, improve water quality etc.

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MoU was signed on blue economy and maritime cooperation in the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean

TEESTA WATER ISSUE

Teesta water sharing •

1983 Ad-hoc agreement on Teesta water sharing reached for 75% of Teesta water. (remaining 25% is to be done) Who gets how much?

Water share from Teesta India 39% Bangladesh 36% Unallocated 25% 1984: Joint-river commission appointed to collect hydrological data & suggest a rational method for water sharing.

• Commission recommended increasing Bangladesh’s share, on logic that W.Bengal’s barrage is very close to Bangladesh border (~90 km). Some water will penetrate underground and benefit both countries anyways.

Teesta water sharing •

Other facts are: •

Total length of Teesta in India - 71 % and in Bangladesh 29%

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Catchment area: 83% (Ind) and 17% (Bangl)

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Bangladesh is already getting its due share.

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The govt of WB is having reservations about sharing renaming water.

Teesta water sharing proposed agreement • Interim

agreement for 15 yrs is proposed in which joint data collection would be done.

• Presently

both countries have different estimates and this has not been even made public by WB state govt.

• ISSUES

are:

• Disagreement • question • No

internally in India btw political parties

with regards to how much water WB needs?

internal water sharing accord btw Sikkim and WB

• Sikkim

has more hydro power projects hence needs to betaken in

board.

• Water

is a state subject and hence legitimate demands of state govt needs to be addressed

• Lack

of public education with regards to water sharing accordleads to negative propaganda like “Centre is giving our share to neighbours”; “India is denying water to us”

Teesta water sharing- solution •

Teesta agreement is “priority for Bangla govt” but very difficulty for Indian govt.

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We should do a cost benefit analysis and maintaining “status quo" is not in our favour.

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Rather India can use this as a leverage for “COMPREHENSIVE TRANSIT AGREEMENT”

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This would create “goodwill” for India and would give political leverage to Awami League govt which is being criticised by BNP.

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India also needs cooperation of Bangladesh if in future we put forth our concerns about China building dams on Tsang Po rivers( as Bangladesh is also a lower riparian state)

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We need to take state govts on board - It was CM Jyoti Basu who pushed the Ganga water sharing agreement.

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Public education with regards to water sharing details must be undertaken.

LAND BOUNDARY AGREEMENT (LBA)

UNDEMARCATED BORDER 6.1 KM

ENCLAVES 111 Indian enclaves in Bangladesh 51 Bangladeshi enclaves in India

Adverse Possessions

Enclaves

Adverse Possessions

LBA •

India Bangladesh border is longest land border of India with any other country.

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Radcliffe line was irrationally drawn.

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Riverine border in areas adds to complexity because of changing river courses.

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Undemarcated border (6.1kms) was the epicentre of illegal trade and smuggling.

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Domestic politics further increase the complexity •

e.g. Mizoram - Bangladesh peaceful border

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Assam, WB - Bangladesh much politicised

What was the need of LBA • Humanitarian

concerns about the 50k+ people living in these

enclaves etc.

• they

were not given ctzhship rights, benefits, their living standards were poor etc.

• Illegal

activities thrived as enclaves was an excuse for movement

• BSF

and Indian police was not able to control the activities within the enclaves.

• It

became a hotbed of militants - would come, enter into enclaves and then later melt with the common people.

• Undemarcated

border was an area where BSF were not knowing what actions can be taken ?

• Now

no excuse for transboundary movement and hence will not become a propaganda tool for political parties in Bangladesh.

Approach used ?

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For adverse possessions - pragmatic approach used => joint surveys done to have a ground reality picture and then Radcliffe line itself was tweaked to make amends

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For enclaves - exchange and people of enclaves given right to choose citizenship

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For undemacarted border - demarcation done

In the next part we would look at TRADE and TRANSIT issue

TRADE ISSUES •

TRADE IMBALANCE for Bangladesh ==> US $ 5.34 billion with India's exports to Bangladesh accounting for US $ 4.776 billion and imports US $ 0.564 million with the duty free access given by India to Bangladesh for all items except 25.

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Reason => Bangladesh industries don't produce goods which can find markets in India.

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Solution => 1. Duty free and quota free access to their goods

2. Indian manufacturers to setup industries in Bangladesh and they export to India => recent MoU for setting up SEZ is with this regards.

3. Extending line of credit (2bn $) having component of rail modernisation n better connectivity i.e. using waterways and multimodes end to end = reduces transaction costs => increased exports of Bangla goods 4. Border haats to legalised trade and curb illegal trade.