Border Forces of India and Bangladesh Hold High-Level Talks in New Delhi to Strengthen Security Cooperation
BSF and BGB Discuss Illegal Migration, Border Crimes, Smuggling, and Joint Measures to Maintain Peace Along 4,000-km Frontier
Senior officials of India’s Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) concluded high-level border coordination talks in New Delhi, reaffirming their commitment to maintaining peace, stability, and effective border management along the nearly 4,000-kilometre India–Bangladesh border. The discussions formed part of the 57th Director General-level Border Coordination Conference, a regular bilateral mechanism between the two forces.
The four-day meeting focused on several critical issues, including illegal migration, cross-border smuggling, human trafficking, border crimes, fencing, and coordinated security operations. Both sides agreed to strengthen joint patrols and real-time intelligence sharing to address emerging challenges more effectively.
A major topic of discussion was the management of undocumented cross-border movements. Bangladesh raised concerns regarding alleged “pushback” incidents involving migrants, while India emphasized that it has submitted thousands of requests seeking verification and repatriation of individuals believed to be Bangladeshi nationals residing illegally in India. Both countries agreed that such matters should be handled through established legal and diplomatic procedures.
The delegations also reviewed measures to curb narcotics trafficking, cattle smuggling, counterfeit currency operations, and other transnational crimes that affect security along the international boundary. Officials stressed that improved coordination between local commanders and intelligence agencies would help prevent criminal networks from exploiting border vulnerabilities.
The Indian delegation was led by BSF Director General Praveen Kumar, while the Bangladesh delegation was headed by BGB Director General Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui. The conference represented the highest institutional dialogue between the two border forces and continued a mechanism that has been held regularly for decades to address operational and humanitarian issues.
Both sides reiterated their shared objective of preserving peace, tranquillity, and stability along the border through dialogue and cooperation rather than confrontation. The joint understanding includes enhanced information exchange, coordinated patrols, and confidence-building measures aimed at reducing incidents and improving border management. The next round of Director General-level talks is expected to be held in Dhaka later this year.
