As the military engagements betweenBangladeshandPakistanhave been seen increasing over a certain period, India has reassured its protective nature towards the country. It has asserted to have a keen watch over the activities happening at the borders.

Increasing Concerns

Recently a Pakistani delegation including an ISI director General of Analysis, Maj Gen Shahid Amir Afsar has been currently visiting Dhaka as a Bangladeshi Delegation toured Pakistan where they met with three important chiefs there. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted that India is giving more attention to national security and is keeping a close watch at the borders to monitor unusual activities and respond immediately for the safety of the nation. Regarding this he stated “We keep an eye on all activities around the country and in the region, as well as all activities affecting national security, and the government will take appropriate steps,” Jaiswal said in response to a question at his weekly media briefing.

Construction of a Fence

The MEA spokesperson further interacted with the media and assured that India’s approach towards Bangladesh would always be in a friendly manner to maintain a strong and cordial relationship. He stated that India would want to support a democratic, progressive, and inclusive Bangladesh for both the nations to prosper. The media persons also questioned the construction of the fence between the two nations to which he responded saying that it was to minimize criminal activities such as human and cattle trafficking at the borders. Jaiswal added that India would facilitate the return of immigrants residing abroad once their nationality is verified. The fence has been constructed despite opposition from Bangladesh to which he said that it has all been included in the Bilateral agreement.

Economic Relations with Bangladesh

The economic relations between India and Bangladesh have grown steadily over the last decade. Bangladesh has emerged as the second largest trade partner of India with bilateral trade reaching USD 18 billion in 2021-2022, though there was a dip in 2022-23 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war. Bangladesh has shown interest in signing a Free Trade Agreement with India and also backing the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership raising concerns for India.

Illegal Migration

Major concerns have been raised in India over the illegal migration of migrants consisting of both refugees and economic migrants from Bangladesh to India. The tensions arose when Rohingya refugees started entering India through Bangladesh raising National security concerns. Bangladesh wants to seek India’s help in persuading Myanmar to take back the Rohingyas who were forced to stay as refugees in Bangladesh.