India today reiterated that fencing is one of the necessary measures to ensure a crime-free border with Bangladesh.
Randhir Jaiswal, the spokesperson for the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, also stated that India expects Bangladesh to honour the protocols and agreements established between the two countries in this regard.
His remarks were made at the weekly press briefing in New Delhi in response to a question about increasing tensions along the India-Bangladesh border over the issue of fencing. The question also highlighted a comment by Bangladesh's Home Adviser, Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, indicating that Dhaka wants to review past agreements on the issue.
Jaiswal emphasised that India's position on these issues was clarified when the Acting High Commissioner of Bangladesh to India Md Nural Islam was summoned by the MEA to South Block on January 13.
"It was conveyed that, regarding security measures at the border, including fencing, India adheres to all protocols and agreements between the two governments as well as between the Border Security Force and Border Guard Bangladesh," Jaiswal said.
He further added, "Barbed wire fencing, border lighting, installation of technical devices, and cattle fences are measures implemented to secure the border."
India expects Bangladesh to honour all previous agreements, Jaiswal said, expressing hope for a cooperative approach in combating cross-border crimes.
Responding to a question about the growing calls within Bangladesh for early elections and a recent comment by the US ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, on the subject, the MEA spokesperson said that India's stance on relations with Bangladesh has been communicated on multiple occasions.
"We aim to move in a positive direction, and we want India-Bangladesh relations to thrive for the benefit of the people of Bangladesh. That is our approach," Jaiswal said.
On Thursday, Garcetti remarked that the swift restoration of democracy in Bangladesh is in its best interests.
"I think we have an opportunity. Both of us [India and the US] want to see democracy and democratic elections established in Bangladesh as soon as possible, as this can help Bangladesh open its next chapter," Garcetti said in an interview with Indian television channel WION.