India and Bangladesh Land Boundary Agreement

Attempts have been made to arrive at a comprehensive settlement of the land boundary between India and Bangladesh (the erstwhile East Pakistan) since 1947. The Nehru-Noon agreement of 1958 and the agreement concerning the demarcation of the land boundary between India and Bangladesh and related matters of 1974 (referred to as 1974 lba) sought to find a solution to the complex nature of the border demarcation involved. however, three outstanding issues pertaining to an un-demarcated land boundary of approximately 6.1 km, exchange of enclaves and adverse possessions remained unsettled. The protocol (referred to as the 2011 protocol) to the 1974 lba, signed on 6th September 2011 during the visit of the prime minister to Bangladesh, paves the way for a settlement of the outstanding land boundary issues between the two countries. This historic agreement will contribute to a stable and peaceful boundary and create an environment conducive to enhanced bilateral cooperation. It will result in better management and coordination of the border and strengthen our ability to deal with smuggling, illegal activities and other trans-border crimes.