Domestic Workers in India, Slavery Index and Indian Position
INDEX
1. Domestic workers in India
1. Problems
2. Solutions
3. How Solutions to be Enforced?
2. Modern Day Slavery & Slavery Index
3. Indian Position
4. THIS IS DUE TO
5. Chronic Bonded Labor System
6. Women and Child Trafficking
1. BUT WHY ARE WE PERFORMING SO BADLY?
2. What needs to happen?
3. Sources
DOMESTIC WORKERS IN INDIA
The domestic worker is a person who is employed for remuneration in any household through any agency or directly, either on a temporary or permanent, part time or full time basis to do the household work, but does not include any member of the family of an employer.
TYPES
1. Part-time worker who works for one or more employers for a specified number of hours/ day or performs specific tasks for each of the multiple employers every day. Ex-Bartanwali, jhaduvali aunties etc.
2. Full-time worker who works for a single employer every day for a specified number of hours (normal full day work) and who returns back to her/his home every day after work. Ex-fulltime ayah.
3. Live-in worker who works full time for a single employer and also stays on the premises of the employer or in a dwelling provided by the employer (which is close or next to the house of the employer) and does not return back to her/his home every day after work.(They are most vulnerable)
PROBLEMS
* Several States have notified minimum wages for domestic work but have no norms for implementation or monitoring. Generally wages are self-regulated based on socio-economic profile of employers, tasks performed and combination of tasks.
* In terms of accommodation, there are several different arrangements- quarter, room and living in the house in the same space as the family. Accommodation can be a great support as well as a source of exploitation.
* The maximum number of working hours for live-in worker is not fixed which leads to exploitation.
* Live-in worker has no AC no Privacy. Many households deny access of toilets to their domestic workers due to caste based discrimination.
* Domestic Workers are not usually granted maternity leave, privilege and sick leave. There is some amount of kichkich happens usually when workers ask for leave.
SOLUTIONS
* Decentralized boards be established and minimum wages should be based on a living wage and establish the minimum level of income which all domestic workers should receive.
* Cost of accommodation should be only considered in-kind if it is a separate living quarter where the worker can be granted privacy and for example be able to live with her family. A space in the house should not be considered as accommodation worthy of in-kind payment.
* The maximum number of working hours for an adult worker should not exceed 48 hours in a week and nine hours in a day. Any worker working overtime is entitled to wages of such overtime work at twice the ordinary rate of wages.
* If a family cannot offer reasonable degree of privacy and accommodation that is safe and decent, respects the workers privacy and provides meals of good quality and quantity, they should not be permitted to have live-in domestic workers. Access to toilets during work is essential.
* The worker should be entitled to be paid sick leave (wages not to be cut) for 12 days a year. Both live in and live out workers should receive one month privilege leave and when the employer goes on leave the wages should not be cut. Maternity leave of at least 14 weeks with half of original salary to be given.
HOW THESE PROVISONS TO BE ENFORCED?
1. To strengthen the organizations of domestic workers, particularly through trade unions and raise the status of domestic workers equivalent to wage labourers.
1. Change in definition on workmen- to extend application to domestic workers is important.
This is especially the case in regulating the so called placement agencies as there are no laws to regulate the functioning of domestic workers placement agencies, though there are laws to regulate employment and placement of migrant and contract workers but as households are not considered as workplace and domestic workers do not come under the definition of workmen, the placement agencies become safely outside the existing regulatory framework.
1. As a service provider placement agencies can charge a fee but they should operate with the principle of promoting the welfare of domestic workers and uphold their rights and that these agencies should not have any role in salary collection or payment, etc.
In order to weed out unscrupulous operators driven purely by profit and practicing exploitative tactics, it has been suggested that those not conforming to minimum positive criteria shall not be authorized.
1. Inclusion of domestic worker in the Minimum Wages Act and the development of a welfare board in every State.
1. Facilitate linkages between Labour Departments and civil society organizations, particularly Unions, NGOs and Resident Welfare Organizations.
WHAT IS THE MODERN-DAY SLAVERY?
Modern slavery includes slavery, slavery-like practices (such as debt bondage, forced marriage, and sale or exploitation of children), human trafficking and forced labour.
What is Trafficking?
It is the recruitment, transportation, transfer or receipt of persons with the intent of exploiting the person through:
* Prostitution of others;
* Sexual exploitation;
* Forced labour;
* Slavery (or similar practices);
* Servitude; and
* Removal of organs.
What is Slavery?
It includes practices like: debt bondage, forced or servile marriage, sale or exploitation of children (including in armed conflict) and descent-based slavery.
The Global Slavery Index provides a ranking of 162 countries, reflecting combined measure of 3 factors:
* estimated prevalence of modern slavery by population,
* A measure of child marriage, and
* A measure of human trafficking in and out of a country.
The countries with the highest numbers of enslaved people are India, China, Pakistan, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Russia, Thailand, Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar and Bangladesh. Taken together, these countries account for 76% of the total estimate of 29.8 million in modern slavery.
(Look at the colour of Pakistan, Myanmar and Afghanistan!!!!!!)
Indian Position
The country with the largest estimated number of people in modern slavery is India (prevalence rank=4) and estimated to have between 1.33 and 1.47 crore people enslaved. It is trailing Mauritania, Haiti and Pakistan in the Global Slavery Index.
India exhibits the full spectrum of different forms of modern slavery, from severe forms of inter-generational bonded labour across various industries to the worst forms of child labour, commercial sexual exploitation, and forced and servile marriage.
Quote from Report many of Indias enslaved have not been moved from one place to another they are enslaved in their own villages
THIS IS DUE TO
1. Prevalence of Chronic Bonded Labour SystemA person becomes a bonded laborer when their labor is demanded as a means of repayment for a loan. The person is then tricked or trapped into working for very little or no pay, often for seven days a week. Bonded laborers are forced to work to repay debts their employer says they owe, and they are not allowed to work for anyone else. Debts that are not paid off in a debtor's lifetime can be passed down to their descendants, making the original debtor's family indebted to the families of rural landlords and money lenders, across multiple generations = Chronic Bonded Labour System.
Bonded labor was legally abolished in India in 1976 but it remains prevalent, with weak enforcement of the law by governments. States such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are major culprits, with high levels of hereditary forms of debt bondage in rural areas. In the Punjab hundreds of thousands men, women and children are forced to work as bonded laborers in quarries and brick kilns where they receive little or no pay in return for a loan typically used for survival.
1. Women & Childrens Trafficking
Factors Leading to Womens Trafficking
SUPPLY FACTORSDEMAND FACTORS
- Poverty- Female Feticide - Natural Disasters (floods, cyclones etc.)- Domestic violence- Unemployment- Lure of job / marriagewith false promises- Domestic servitude- Traditional / Religiousprostitution (Devdasi)- Lack of EmploymentopportunitiesTRAFFICKING- Migration- Hope for jobs / marriage- Demand for cheap labour- Enhanced vulnerabilitydue to lack of awareness- Creation of need and market by sex traffickers for experimental and tender sex.- Sex tourism- Internet pornography- Organized crime generating high profits with low risk for traffickers.
Children and their families are often lured by the promise of better employment and a more prosperous life far from their homes. It violates a childs right to grow up in a family environment and exposes him or her to a range of dangers, including violence and sexual abuse.
Despite being banned by the Supreme Court in 2006, child labour continues to be widespread due to weak enforcement. The 2001 Census says India has 12.26 million working children, aged 5-14, with the maximum coming from Uttar Pradesh.
What is Children Trafficked for?
LabourIllegal ActivitiesSexual Exploitation
- Bonded labour- Domestic work- Agricultural labour- Construction work- Carpet industry, garment industry, fish / shrimp export as well as other sites of work in the formal and informal economy.- Begging- Organ trade- Drug peddling smuggling- Forced prostitution- Socially and religiously sanctified forms of prostitutions- Sex tourism &Child Pornography
BUT WHY ARE WE PERFORMING SO BADLY??????
As per the report, the amount of modern slavery in a country is related to important factors such as corruption and human development.
Modern Slavery and Corruption If the rule of law is effective it protects citizens from being enslaved. If the rule of law is corrupted, people are not protected and criminals can pay off officials and act with impunity.
The countries which are more corrupt as per the Transparency International
Index (TII), have the prevalence of modern slavery.
No doubt it explains why India, which poorly ranked on TII, also performs badly in MSI.
HOWEVER WE DONT NEED TO KNOW THIS FROM ANYONE ELSE
Human Development The level of a countrys human development reflects its economic well-being, which in turn affect the poverty levels and deprivation a citizen might face. On the other hand, higher levels of educational attainment, elevated health care, and the chance of effective citizenship, all tend to allow people to protect themselves from vulnerability to modern slavery.
Poverty is one of the factors that increase vulnerability to enslavement. Also, a lack of economic development can mean inadequate resources are available to maintain an effective criminal justice or labor protection system.
The countries like India which have low levels of HDI also have higher levels of modern slavery.
Role of Caste System and Poverty Poverty and Indias caste system are significant contributing factors to its modern slavery problem. Indians most vulnerable to modern slavery are dalits and adivasis, especially women and children
Non-labour forms of modern slavery, including forced and servile marriage, fraudulent adoption and organ trafficking have been identified in India. Forced marriage is partly fuelled by sex-ratio disparity those states with worst disparity import girls into servile marriages from poorer states.
With skewed sex ratios it is impossible to find a bride for each man, and importing a bride has become the only solution, said the 2013 India Country Assessment Report released by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC). Punjab (893 females per 1000 males) and Haryana (877 females per 1000 males) have the lowest sex ratios in the country.
What needs to happen?
India should
* Reform Criminal Justice system to provide quick and free justice to the modern day slaves. Strengthen protections for victims of modern slavery and ensure that they are not criminalized. Undertake national prevalence estimates on modern slavery.
* Ratify and implement the Convention on the Worst Forms of Child Labor, and the Domestic Work Convention.
* Require States to report on how they have followed up on the Supreme Court Judgment of October 15, 2012, requiring all states to carry out surveys to identify and release those in bonded labor. The efforts currently being made in the State of Karnataka should be promoted and followed by other States.
* At the State level, develop and implement action plans on bonded labor in every state and union territory, following the example of the Karnataka State Action Plan on Bonded Labor 2008. Appoint a high level responsible officer at the State and District level, who focuses only on tasks related to bonded labor and other forms of modern slavery.
* Ensure raids follow victim-centered procedures to ensure they help more than harm.
* Continue efforts directed at addressing the underlying causes of modern slavery such as poverty, illiteracy, and underemployment, violence against women, discrimination, and lack of access to entitlements such as functioning schools and health services, and social exclusion.
by Shrey Khanna
Sources
1. http://wiego.org/informal_economy_law/domestic-workers-india
2. http://www.antislavery.org/english/slavery_today/bonded_labour.aspx
3. http://jmi.ac.in/upload/publication/Child_Trafficking_in_India.pdf
4. http://www.unodc.org/documents/humantrafficking/India_Training_material/Handbook_for_Law_Enforcement_Agencies_in_India.pdf
Showing posts with label Pakistan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pakistan. Show all posts
Monday, January 13, 2014
Reasons for Hindu-Muslim Riots in India
India is a country of unity in diversity. Over 3000 castes, 25000 sub-castes and more than 1000 languages are spoken in India. We, the people of India celebrate and enjoy the each festival of each community. We convey a strong message of love and endurance to whole world. We are working together to contribute to the country's growth. We accept all who came to India, either they were merchant, traveler or even they were attacker. We provide them all rights like us.
Communal riots have become a distinct feature of communalism in India. Whenever conflicting groups from two different religions, which are self conscious communities, clash, it results in a communal riot. An event is identified as a communal riot if (a) there is violence, and (b) two or more communally identified groups confront each other or members of the other group at some point during the violence.1 The reason for such a clash could be superficial and trivial, though underlying them are deeper considerations of political representation, control of and access to resources and power. Even if many people in the community tend to live in India, but the main communities are Hindu and Muslim. All community has its all faith and tradition. Hence sometimes some contradiction falls in the way of our peace. There is brief history of Hindu-Muslims riots. It does not fall after our Independence but such types of riot were happened before the Independence. It was started first time when Mohammad-bin-Kasim attacked on India and destroyed many of the temples and built mosque in place of that. After that this practice was going on at the time of Mugal emperor Aurangzeb. After Independence India was divided into two parts India and Pakistan, although a partition plan was accepted, no large population movements were contemplated. As India and Pakistan become independent, 14.5 million people crossed borders to ensure their safety in an increasingly lawless and communal environment. With British authority gone, the newly formed governments were completely unequipped to deal with migrations of such staggering magnitude, and massive violence and slaughter occurred on both sides of the border along communal lines. Estimates of the number of deaths range around roughly 500,000, with low estimates at 200,000 and high estimates at 1,000,000 Riot of Muzaffarnagar is the newest example of this thing. Why this type of riot is happened again and again in India? There are several reasons behind this fact:-
1. Illiteracy: - Immediately after the partition, a large number of Muslims migrated to Pakistan. Those who stayed over in India were either Zamindars, who would have to lose all their property if they had migrated or a section of artisan class. The Educated middle class as a whole migrated to Pakistan as they would have much better career opportunities they owing to lack of competition. This trend continued for about 15 years after independence. For 15 years after independence, The Muslims who were getting educated chose to migrate to Pakistan for better opportunities. Thus we got only some illiterate and weak Muslims after partition. After more than 65 years of independence they are not in the main stream of our country. They preferred to take religious education instead of main stream education. This was the biggest obstacle of their development of their think and themselves. Those Muslims who are here is the necessary part of us, we cannot ignore him. If they get education from main stream instead of their religious education they will also take part the development of our country. These types of riots will be stopped.
-2-
1. Communal Organization: - One opposes communal organizations not because they serve the interests of people belonging to one religion only, but because they do not even do that. One will whole heartedly support persons like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, who though active within the confines of one religion only, spread humanistic values and fought for reforms against anything found degrading in the religion (like Sati, etc.) But the communal organizations of our country are against any reforms within the religions and oppose any humanization of religion. How many communal organizations have taken up the cause against dowry? All Hindu communal organizations demand the abolition of Muslim Personal
Law but this is done because according to them otherwise the Muslim practicing polygamy will outnumber the Hindus. One will definitely support any organization which opposes polygamy on the ground that it is exploitative towards women. Not one communal organization does this. These types or Organizations only exists for their personal benefit or their religion benefit slightly, it can never help for the development of our country. They are adding fuel to fire for these riots.
1. The Role of Police: - It is often seen that in the riot our Police plays silent role. They often came after the riots or remain silent in the middle. Police played an extremely communal and hideous role in this situation. The main criminal never came in face but those who are innocent, who are unable to justice the right or wrong, who are urged by these selfish political leaders are the victim of police. The clearest indicator of the communalist methods of police is their way of filing crime bulletins during riots. This type of behavior of Police is
not tolerable but even no entire judicial enquiry was ordered but merely a departumental enquiry has been promised to be instituted which as usual will end in a damp squib. Two things are here, 1st if police play their role no riots would be occurred and 2nd things if the riots happen police can control without any problems.
1. The Role of the Government: -The Government is responsible for the administration of the state. It has police and the entire necessary thing through which it can control any riots. But it is fact that riot happens again and again. It is clear that the Government is directly responsible for the riots. The ruling party which proclaims secular ideals when it is suitable has shown through its conduct in the recent riots that it has stopped giving eve lip service to secularism. All the facts lead to a single irresistible conclusion. The Government actively aided the communalist forces and is as much responsible for the riots as anyone who has taken physical part in them. It really defies logic that even after knowing these facts, some genuine secularists adopt an ostrich like attitude chanting the mantra, Government is Secular.
1. The role of Political Parties:- The Political parties play their game in this time. They never missed to get the advantage of this critical situation. If the damage is done with Muslims, they say that they are Secular and when the damage is done by Muslims, they urge the Hindus. If we remember Shrikrishnas report on Bombay Riots in 1992 we get it properly According to the Srikrishna report, the immediate causes of the communal riots on 6 December 1992 were: (a) the demolition of theBabri Masjidmosque, (b) the aggravation of Muslim sentiments by the Hindus with their celebration rallies and (c) the insensitive and harsh approach of the police while handling the protesting mobs which initially were not violent. This was his report, but what the fact was is known to everyone. On the basis of these riots many politics play their game to get the power.
-3-
1. Besides these facts, some more facts can be added which is also be responsible for riots.
1. Unemployment: - It is universal truth, Devil's Treasure empty mind. Un-employment is one of the biggest silent reasons of these riots; unemployed person can easily come in delusion of un-social element. These elements used un-employed person for their profit. If our government provide employ to the needy person than it can be stops such types of riots.
1. Media (Print & Electronic) : - Press is considered the 4th pillar of democracy and in such type of critical matter it plays dynamic role. But it is often seen that media does not play its role and rather than to resolve issues they bouncing it. History has shown that media plays its worst role in many times.
1. Social Networking Sites: - Social networking sites, like Face book, Twitter, LinkedIn etc. are the most important things in todays society. This is the matter of status symbol, without this a man is called retro, especially in urban area. It is popular especially in youngster, whose is the future of our country. It is seen that the un-social elements target these youngster on these sites easy way, people share their views, personal matter and many more things like video, photos and notes through these social networking sites. Un-social elements take advantage these platforms to use their criminal minds. It has seen in recently riots. These social networking sites must be supervision of government. For this Government should form some special protocol and many more thing and quick action should be taken if any of the post, photos, video and comment are target some community, religion or region.
Despite the secular and religiously tolerant constitution of India, broad religious representation in various aspects of society including the government, the active role played by autonomous bodies such as National Human Rights Commission of India and National Commission for Minorities, and the ground-level work being out by Non-governmental organizations, sporadic and sometimes serious acts of religious violence tend to occur as the root causes of religious violence often run deep in history, religious activities, and politics of India.
We must therefore demand to our Government to:-
(1) Stop any public demonstration of religious expressions;
(2) Stop all state aid to religious institutions;
(3) Immediate scanning of existing curriculum in schools and colleges and deletion of any communal references;
Only Government and its organizations cannot stop these types of riots. We should also learn a lesson from the previous riots, we cannot return the life. It is not only loss of our but it is also the loss of our country, but if these demand could be accepted and implemented then the riots can be stopped and we, the people of India can live together with great peace of mind.
***************************************************************************
Name- Pankaj Kumar Singh
Sources: - Some NCERT Books, Communal Riots in India A Chronology (1947-2003), written by B. Rajeswari and some more from Internet article.
Communal riots have become a distinct feature of communalism in India. Whenever conflicting groups from two different religions, which are self conscious communities, clash, it results in a communal riot. An event is identified as a communal riot if (a) there is violence, and (b) two or more communally identified groups confront each other or members of the other group at some point during the violence.1 The reason for such a clash could be superficial and trivial, though underlying them are deeper considerations of political representation, control of and access to resources and power. Even if many people in the community tend to live in India, but the main communities are Hindu and Muslim. All community has its all faith and tradition. Hence sometimes some contradiction falls in the way of our peace. There is brief history of Hindu-Muslims riots. It does not fall after our Independence but such types of riot were happened before the Independence. It was started first time when Mohammad-bin-Kasim attacked on India and destroyed many of the temples and built mosque in place of that. After that this practice was going on at the time of Mugal emperor Aurangzeb. After Independence India was divided into two parts India and Pakistan, although a partition plan was accepted, no large population movements were contemplated. As India and Pakistan become independent, 14.5 million people crossed borders to ensure their safety in an increasingly lawless and communal environment. With British authority gone, the newly formed governments were completely unequipped to deal with migrations of such staggering magnitude, and massive violence and slaughter occurred on both sides of the border along communal lines. Estimates of the number of deaths range around roughly 500,000, with low estimates at 200,000 and high estimates at 1,000,000 Riot of Muzaffarnagar is the newest example of this thing. Why this type of riot is happened again and again in India? There are several reasons behind this fact:-
1. Illiteracy: - Immediately after the partition, a large number of Muslims migrated to Pakistan. Those who stayed over in India were either Zamindars, who would have to lose all their property if they had migrated or a section of artisan class. The Educated middle class as a whole migrated to Pakistan as they would have much better career opportunities they owing to lack of competition. This trend continued for about 15 years after independence. For 15 years after independence, The Muslims who were getting educated chose to migrate to Pakistan for better opportunities. Thus we got only some illiterate and weak Muslims after partition. After more than 65 years of independence they are not in the main stream of our country. They preferred to take religious education instead of main stream education. This was the biggest obstacle of their development of their think and themselves. Those Muslims who are here is the necessary part of us, we cannot ignore him. If they get education from main stream instead of their religious education they will also take part the development of our country. These types of riots will be stopped.
-2-
1. Communal Organization: - One opposes communal organizations not because they serve the interests of people belonging to one religion only, but because they do not even do that. One will whole heartedly support persons like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, who though active within the confines of one religion only, spread humanistic values and fought for reforms against anything found degrading in the religion (like Sati, etc.) But the communal organizations of our country are against any reforms within the religions and oppose any humanization of religion. How many communal organizations have taken up the cause against dowry? All Hindu communal organizations demand the abolition of Muslim Personal
Law but this is done because according to them otherwise the Muslim practicing polygamy will outnumber the Hindus. One will definitely support any organization which opposes polygamy on the ground that it is exploitative towards women. Not one communal organization does this. These types or Organizations only exists for their personal benefit or their religion benefit slightly, it can never help for the development of our country. They are adding fuel to fire for these riots.
1. The Role of Police: - It is often seen that in the riot our Police plays silent role. They often came after the riots or remain silent in the middle. Police played an extremely communal and hideous role in this situation. The main criminal never came in face but those who are innocent, who are unable to justice the right or wrong, who are urged by these selfish political leaders are the victim of police. The clearest indicator of the communalist methods of police is their way of filing crime bulletins during riots. This type of behavior of Police is
not tolerable but even no entire judicial enquiry was ordered but merely a departumental enquiry has been promised to be instituted which as usual will end in a damp squib. Two things are here, 1st if police play their role no riots would be occurred and 2nd things if the riots happen police can control without any problems.
1. The Role of the Government: -The Government is responsible for the administration of the state. It has police and the entire necessary thing through which it can control any riots. But it is fact that riot happens again and again. It is clear that the Government is directly responsible for the riots. The ruling party which proclaims secular ideals when it is suitable has shown through its conduct in the recent riots that it has stopped giving eve lip service to secularism. All the facts lead to a single irresistible conclusion. The Government actively aided the communalist forces and is as much responsible for the riots as anyone who has taken physical part in them. It really defies logic that even after knowing these facts, some genuine secularists adopt an ostrich like attitude chanting the mantra, Government is Secular.
1. The role of Political Parties:- The Political parties play their game in this time. They never missed to get the advantage of this critical situation. If the damage is done with Muslims, they say that they are Secular and when the damage is done by Muslims, they urge the Hindus. If we remember Shrikrishnas report on Bombay Riots in 1992 we get it properly According to the Srikrishna report, the immediate causes of the communal riots on 6 December 1992 were: (a) the demolition of theBabri Masjidmosque, (b) the aggravation of Muslim sentiments by the Hindus with their celebration rallies and (c) the insensitive and harsh approach of the police while handling the protesting mobs which initially were not violent. This was his report, but what the fact was is known to everyone. On the basis of these riots many politics play their game to get the power.
-3-
1. Besides these facts, some more facts can be added which is also be responsible for riots.
1. Unemployment: - It is universal truth, Devil's Treasure empty mind. Un-employment is one of the biggest silent reasons of these riots; unemployed person can easily come in delusion of un-social element. These elements used un-employed person for their profit. If our government provide employ to the needy person than it can be stops such types of riots.
1. Media (Print & Electronic) : - Press is considered the 4th pillar of democracy and in such type of critical matter it plays dynamic role. But it is often seen that media does not play its role and rather than to resolve issues they bouncing it. History has shown that media plays its worst role in many times.
1. Social Networking Sites: - Social networking sites, like Face book, Twitter, LinkedIn etc. are the most important things in todays society. This is the matter of status symbol, without this a man is called retro, especially in urban area. It is popular especially in youngster, whose is the future of our country. It is seen that the un-social elements target these youngster on these sites easy way, people share their views, personal matter and many more things like video, photos and notes through these social networking sites. Un-social elements take advantage these platforms to use their criminal minds. It has seen in recently riots. These social networking sites must be supervision of government. For this Government should form some special protocol and many more thing and quick action should be taken if any of the post, photos, video and comment are target some community, religion or region.
Despite the secular and religiously tolerant constitution of India, broad religious representation in various aspects of society including the government, the active role played by autonomous bodies such as National Human Rights Commission of India and National Commission for Minorities, and the ground-level work being out by Non-governmental organizations, sporadic and sometimes serious acts of religious violence tend to occur as the root causes of religious violence often run deep in history, religious activities, and politics of India.
We must therefore demand to our Government to:-
(1) Stop any public demonstration of religious expressions;
(2) Stop all state aid to religious institutions;
(3) Immediate scanning of existing curriculum in schools and colleges and deletion of any communal references;
Only Government and its organizations cannot stop these types of riots. We should also learn a lesson from the previous riots, we cannot return the life. It is not only loss of our but it is also the loss of our country, but if these demand could be accepted and implemented then the riots can be stopped and we, the people of India can live together with great peace of mind.
***************************************************************************
Name- Pankaj Kumar Singh
Sources: - Some NCERT Books, Communal Riots in India A Chronology (1947-2003), written by B. Rajeswari and some more from Internet article.
India needs federal foreign policy?
India needs federal foreign policy?
(Since most state share an international boundary, they need to be involved and external affairs that affect them)
* The people of any country have a right to advocate and push for particular foreign and security policy.
* But in India much diverse environment, since our linguistic, ethnic, religious , ideological division of every state and region.
* This diverse country must have a single foreign policy and its execution must be the responsibility of federal government.
Why India needs federal foreign policy?
* Since from last 2-3 decades, there was no one party government at the center level. Therefore union government has been taking the form coalition with regional or state parties, they have become vulnerable to party or sectional pressure which often takes the form of pure blackmail.
Some recent examples:
1. DMKs withdrawal from UPA government Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam wanted the UPA government to pilot a resolution in the United Nations demanding an international probe into alleged war crimes tantamount to genocide in Sri Lanka.
2. AIADMKs proposal- The Tamil Nadu chief minister J. Jayalalithaa joining a fray, the demands escalated :
1. A boycott of the Commonwealth Heads of Government summit to be held later this year.
2. A ban on Sri Lankan players in IPL.
3. An assembly resolution asking the union government to get the UN to create a separate Eelam in Sri Lanka.
4. To retrieve the decision of Kachchatheevu Island, this was given to Sri Lanka with a special accord in 1974.
3. In 2008 left pulled out from UPA-I coalition it opposed the Indo-U.S civil nuclear deal because : a) its belief that nothing could come out of an agreement with imperialist
America.
b) As its attempt to clock the decision in the grab of attacking America for its anti- Muslim policies.
1. West Bengal CM and then UPA coalition partner, Mamata Banerjee, opposed the river water agreement with Bangladesh in September 2011, on the eve of Prime Minister Manmohan Singhs visit to Dhaka; the Union Government was forced to call off the signing of a pact that would have ratified a formula for sharing the waters of the Teesta with Bangladesh.
2. Narendra Modi suddenly jumped into the Sir creek on the eve of Gujarat election. In letter to PM, Mr. Modi said that not only should India hand over the Creek to Pakistan, it should stop any dialogue.
Consequences of above issues:
1. In Sri Lanka, the government of India has had to balance its policies to ensure that Colombo does not drift towards Beijing and Islamabad. There also is the question of pushing resolution on the territorial issue of other countries, having burnt our hands on the Kashmir issue.
2. As for the Teesta issue, there were expectations that in exchange for the river waters treaty, Bangladesh would sign an agreement giving India transit to its landlocked north-eastern state. Clearly, while West Bengal may have notionally given up something, there was advantage of the greater good that would accrue, not only for the north- eastern states but West Bengal as well.
3. In the case of nuclear deal, too, the net gainer was India. It was the US which had to abandon its sanction regime against us and agree to allow civil nuclear commerce to resume with India. Given the balance of power in the international system, it was a deal only the US could pilot not Franc, China, or Russia through all of them had to finally put their stamp on it through the Nuclear Suppliers Group.
4. In Gujarat, the boundary between India and Pakistan on Sir Creek remains disputed and, as a result, the maritime boundary between two countries has yet to be finalized. In this sense, India and Pakistan are both losers, not only because no one will invest in exploiting the natural resources from a disputed area, but also because they will lose out on the extended exclusive economic zone they can get under UN convention on the laws of seas.
Some small issues:
1. We have seen how the politics of Kerala has impinged on a foreign affairs issue relating to two Italian marines.
2. There is Jammu and Kashmir which still complains about the shrift it got on the matter of river water when Union government signed the Indus Water treaty with Pakistan.
3. As for waters, the chief ministers of Bihar and Assam too have important issues which impinge on our relation with Nepal and China.
Take example of U.S.:
Among the various governmental system, the US is one in which the interests of its federal constituents are taken into in the formation and exercise of foreign and security policies. This was part of the large and small State compromise that resulted in its constitution. This enables its upper chamber, the senate to be the lead house on foreign policy issue ratifying international agreement, approving appointment of envoy and so on.
Intersection:
Barring Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, all Indian states share borders with other countries, or with international waters of the sea. In that sense, they have intersect or issue that may intersect with the foreign and security policies of the country.
Conclusion:
If India wants to be a leader in the world, then it should lead the region first, increase cooperation in region and maintain peace and tranquility in border areas irrespective the state.
Sources:
1. Self-written notes from The Hindu.
2. URL of a special article : http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/india-needs-a-federal-foreign-policy/article4591675.ece
3. News analysis from The Hindu and Indian Express.
Declaration:
I hereby declare that the information given above is true to the best of my knowledge & belief and not copied from any Magazine or coaching class except newspapers.
: Dashrath Hembade
.
Name and Address:
Dashrath Laxman Hembade,
(Since most state share an international boundary, they need to be involved and external affairs that affect them)
* The people of any country have a right to advocate and push for particular foreign and security policy.
* But in India much diverse environment, since our linguistic, ethnic, religious , ideological division of every state and region.
* This diverse country must have a single foreign policy and its execution must be the responsibility of federal government.
Why India needs federal foreign policy?
* Since from last 2-3 decades, there was no one party government at the center level. Therefore union government has been taking the form coalition with regional or state parties, they have become vulnerable to party or sectional pressure which often takes the form of pure blackmail.
Some recent examples:
1. DMKs withdrawal from UPA government Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam wanted the UPA government to pilot a resolution in the United Nations demanding an international probe into alleged war crimes tantamount to genocide in Sri Lanka.
2. AIADMKs proposal- The Tamil Nadu chief minister J. Jayalalithaa joining a fray, the demands escalated :
1. A boycott of the Commonwealth Heads of Government summit to be held later this year.
2. A ban on Sri Lankan players in IPL.
3. An assembly resolution asking the union government to get the UN to create a separate Eelam in Sri Lanka.
4. To retrieve the decision of Kachchatheevu Island, this was given to Sri Lanka with a special accord in 1974.
3. In 2008 left pulled out from UPA-I coalition it opposed the Indo-U.S civil nuclear deal because : a) its belief that nothing could come out of an agreement with imperialist
America.
b) As its attempt to clock the decision in the grab of attacking America for its anti- Muslim policies.
1. West Bengal CM and then UPA coalition partner, Mamata Banerjee, opposed the river water agreement with Bangladesh in September 2011, on the eve of Prime Minister Manmohan Singhs visit to Dhaka; the Union Government was forced to call off the signing of a pact that would have ratified a formula for sharing the waters of the Teesta with Bangladesh.
2. Narendra Modi suddenly jumped into the Sir creek on the eve of Gujarat election. In letter to PM, Mr. Modi said that not only should India hand over the Creek to Pakistan, it should stop any dialogue.
Consequences of above issues:
1. In Sri Lanka, the government of India has had to balance its policies to ensure that Colombo does not drift towards Beijing and Islamabad. There also is the question of pushing resolution on the territorial issue of other countries, having burnt our hands on the Kashmir issue.
2. As for the Teesta issue, there were expectations that in exchange for the river waters treaty, Bangladesh would sign an agreement giving India transit to its landlocked north-eastern state. Clearly, while West Bengal may have notionally given up something, there was advantage of the greater good that would accrue, not only for the north- eastern states but West Bengal as well.
3. In the case of nuclear deal, too, the net gainer was India. It was the US which had to abandon its sanction regime against us and agree to allow civil nuclear commerce to resume with India. Given the balance of power in the international system, it was a deal only the US could pilot not Franc, China, or Russia through all of them had to finally put their stamp on it through the Nuclear Suppliers Group.
4. In Gujarat, the boundary between India and Pakistan on Sir Creek remains disputed and, as a result, the maritime boundary between two countries has yet to be finalized. In this sense, India and Pakistan are both losers, not only because no one will invest in exploiting the natural resources from a disputed area, but also because they will lose out on the extended exclusive economic zone they can get under UN convention on the laws of seas.
Some small issues:
1. We have seen how the politics of Kerala has impinged on a foreign affairs issue relating to two Italian marines.
2. There is Jammu and Kashmir which still complains about the shrift it got on the matter of river water when Union government signed the Indus Water treaty with Pakistan.
3. As for waters, the chief ministers of Bihar and Assam too have important issues which impinge on our relation with Nepal and China.
Take example of U.S.:
Among the various governmental system, the US is one in which the interests of its federal constituents are taken into in the formation and exercise of foreign and security policies. This was part of the large and small State compromise that resulted in its constitution. This enables its upper chamber, the senate to be the lead house on foreign policy issue ratifying international agreement, approving appointment of envoy and so on.
Intersection:
Barring Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, all Indian states share borders with other countries, or with international waters of the sea. In that sense, they have intersect or issue that may intersect with the foreign and security policies of the country.
Conclusion:
If India wants to be a leader in the world, then it should lead the region first, increase cooperation in region and maintain peace and tranquility in border areas irrespective the state.
Sources:
1. Self-written notes from The Hindu.
2. URL of a special article : http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/india-needs-a-federal-foreign-policy/article4591675.ece
3. News analysis from The Hindu and Indian Express.
Declaration:
I hereby declare that the information given above is true to the best of my knowledge & belief and not copied from any Magazine or coaching class except newspapers.
: Dashrath Hembade
.
Name and Address:
Dashrath Laxman Hembade,
India Pakistan Relations
India Pakistan Relations
This article starts from the past and comes to the present and how past and present have so far moulded Indias foreign policy towards Pakistan
* Pakistan was born out of M.A.Jinnahs Two nation theory
* Hindus and Muslims were two separate nations, and therefore two states must be constituted for the two communities.
* Pakistan foreign policy has been more on hostility towards India
Various issues that have played up between India & Pakistan
The Birth of Independence:
* The announcement that paramountcy would lapse and choice was given to the princes who ruled the state was most complicated problem that independent India faced on her Independence
* Sardar Patel, who was Home Minister in Nehru Cabinet, used his persuasive as well as coercive power to bring about merger of 567 of the native states with India.
* Five of the states decided to join Pakistan .Three of the states failed to take any decision.
* These were Junagarh ,Hyderabad and Jammu& Kashmir.
* The state of Junagarh ,in Kathiawad region, was ruled by a Muslim Nawab, but had a majority of Hindu population.
* He prolonged the decision on merger ,and finally chose to join Pakistan .Since Junagarh his surrounded by Indian territory
* Pakistan showed no interest
* India was forced to take military action in Junagarh .The Nawab fled to Pakistan
* Plebiscite was conducted which india won
* This was followed by Nizam of Hyderabad,who dreamt of a independent country and yet maintaining contacts with Pakistan
* The Nizam let loose Razakars, who were fundamentalists who attacked the population
* Finally operation Polo was launched and situation was brought under control
Kashmir Dispute
* Kashmir was called the heaven on earth but the hostile conditions between two nations has made it most affected since partition
* This northern state was populated predominantly by Muslims and was ruled by a Hindu Maharaja ,Hari Singh.
* Maharaja Hari Singh did not take any decision regarding state' s accession before ,or immediately after,August15,1947
* He planned to declare his kingdom Independent
* Pakistan started mounting pressure on him
* Prior to attack on Kashmir by Pakistan sponsored tribals Pakistani foreign official tried persuading him after the failure ,Pakistan sponsored tribesmen attacked Kashmir
* After this aggression by Pakistan Hari singh went in favour of accession to india
* India sent her troops, said after the aggression was vacated the wishes of the people would be ascertained on the question of accession.
* The Pakistani side disapproved the accession
* On January1 ,1948 India brought the matter to the notice of the United Nations Security Council under Article35 of the Charter .India sought UN assistance to have Pakistan-supported aggression vacated.
* Pakistan had installed a so-called Azad Kashmir Government in the territory occupied by the invaders .
* Even today Pakistan insists that the area under its control is independent orAzad Kashmir.
* During the pendency of the dispute in the Security Council,Liaquat Ali Khan,the Prime Minister of Pakistan ,announced that his government was willing to accept the proposal of plebiscite ,
* but stipulated certain conditions on which Azad Kashmir Government could be
persuaded to accept ceasefire.
* Liaquat Ali wanted withdrawal of Indian troops and immobilization of State'ssecurity forces,substitution of Sheikh Abdullah's government by a coalition including representatives of Azad Kashmir ,and then holding of plebiscite under international supervision .
* These conditions were totally unacceptable to India.
* Taking the issue to UN turned out to be one of gravest of mistakes by Nehru govt.
* After careful consideration, the Security Council appointed a three-member Commission on January20,1948
* The Commission had one nominee each of India and Pakistan and the third member was to be chosen by the two nominees.
* India nominated Czechoslovakia & Pakistan nominated Argentina as both could not agree on common member, USA was appointed for the post
* The Security Council added two more members ,Belgium and Colombia,
* The Commission was now called the United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan(UNCIP)
* The UNCIP submitted report which said
* Pakistan should withdraw its troops from Jammu &Kashmir as soon as possible after the ceasefire
* Pakistan should also try for withdrawal of Tribes men and Pakistan nationals who are not ordinary residents of Kashmir.
* The territory thus vacated by Pakistani troops should be administered By local officials under the supervision of the Commission
* India should also withdraw substantial strength of its troops
* Finally, pending a final agreement India should maintain only such limited troops as
should be essential for law and order.
* After initial reluctance ,Pakistan accepted these proposals and a ceasefire agreement was signed which was implemented by the two commanders on the Midnight of January1,1949.The war ended and a ceasefire became effective
* The ceasefire line now called the Line of Control was drawn where the fighting ended
* The region with Pakistan is called as Azad Kashmir
* The UNCIP recommended that the disagreements between the countries be brought before the Plebiscite Administrator which India refused the issue fell apart, the Administrator resigned
The McNaughton Plan
* General McNaughton was the was the President of Security council, he worked as an informal mediator
* Pakistan was in no mood to leave the land that it had transgressed on
* McNaughton proposed demilitarization of the complete region and a move towards plebiscite
* The plan did not make any mention between the aggressor and the victim, hence rejected by India
The Dixon Proposal
* After the failure of McNaughton plan, Sir Owen Dixon ,a judge of the High Court of Australia was assigned to look into the Kashmir issue
* He proposed complete demilitarization of the region,which india objected as india was in her territory and Pakistan being the aggressor in the case
* Dixon acknowledged indias contention of Pakistans violation yet kept both at same par
* Dixon proposed partition of Jammu & Kashmir along the cease fire line ,and yet he suggested plebiscite in the valley to determine its future.
* India opposed the proposal, Dixon suggested direct negations between two countries in the end
The Graham Mission
* Post failure of Dixon proposal again at the commonwealth confederacy held at London,it was proposed demilitarization of Kashmir which india opposed
* It also proposed holding of elections, constituent assembly elections.
* This proposal disturbed Pakistan
* Pakistan raised the issue in security council,The security council adopted join anglo American resolution proposing appointment of a mediator
* Accordingly,Dr Frank P.Graham of the United States was appointed
* Graham held discussion for demilitarization, which dragged on and no solution was at sight
* Admitting failure he proposed direct negotiations, as per grahams proposal of direct negotiations, both nations held talks and decided to hold plebiscite in 1954
* This could not go ahead as there was no common choice of common plebiscite administrator
* In 1957,UN representative Gunnar reported that the situation in JK was not supportive of plebiscite as so much has overtaken past events
* The Constituent Assembly of Jammu & Kashmir ,elected on the basis of adult franchise ,ratified the State's accession to India on February 6,1954
* A Constitution of the State was adapted on 19 November 1956 which declared Jammu & Kashmir to be an integral part of India
* With this the issue of ascertaining the wishes of the people was fulfilled ,India finalized the accession on jan 26,1957
* This from Indias point of view ended the issue if plebiscite
Sharing of River waters
Already explained by mrunal comprehensively
India Pakistan relations till 1965 War
* Pakistan joined the western block against the spread of Communism in reality it wanted to extract as much resources and forces against India by all possible means
* Joined western bloc in 1954 and signed military pact with USA , South East Asia Treaty Organisation (SEATO) and Baghdad Pact.
* Pakistan used USAs fight against communism and played up to its aid claiming if Kashmir issue was not resolved the spread of Communism to Kashmir was imminent
* Soon USA started giving military aid was given to Pakistan for the containment of Communism which later turned out be war in Afghanistan which has been discussed earlier in India Afghan section
* When Pakistan realized western bloc did not serve its purpose, moved close towards China both turned opportunistic friends post India china war of 1962
* When USA & Britain gave aids to India during the the indo china war Pakistan vehemently opposed it
* A joint statement Nov 1962 was issued by Nehru and Ayub Khan that disputes between India and Pakistan would be solved by dialogue
* But on the eve of Calcutta meeting with India, Pakistan transferred to China territories which India claimed right on proving Pakistans double speak
Dispute of Rann of Kutch
* Situated on Gujarat Sindh border-Pakistan claims right over the region
* India refuses, followed by armed clash in april 1965
* Pakistan crossed borders and took control of some parts of Kutch, the weapons used by Pakistan at this time was from USA aids
* Following the mediation by British PM Wilson, ceasefire took place and troops moved back to jan 1965 positions
* Was decided that the issue be placed before a three member tribunal of arbitrators
* The award came in 1968 which was 10% for Pakistan and 90% for India
* This order was criticized back in India but as the commitment was made in 1965 she decided to keep her promise
Indo Pak war 1965
* The Gamble that Pakistan took in Kutch was followed by the infiltration bid by Pakistan in Kashmir
* Pakistani army men in civilian were sent to infiltrate into Kashmir
* Earlier Pakistan had been sending feelers to Soviet Union of friendship between the two nations which Soviet union responded positively which disturbed India
* Indian PM Lal bahadur Shastri went to Soviet union to strengthen Indias ties more towards India with little success
* The infiltration bid was announced in Radio Pakistan as a fit by the Kashmiris against the State machinery while the infiltrators were inciting violence
* Radio Pakistan claimed the kashmiris revolted the airport had fallen and Srinagar was about to fall whereas the reality was otherwise
* The armed forces took up the matter foiled all the bids to destroy peace in Kashmir followed it with attacking infiltration camps capturing and sealing pass Hajipir pass which was used to enter India by infiltrators
* India requested UN general secretary U.Thant to ensure withdraw of infiltrators but Pakistan claimed innocence
* The disastrous failure of infiltrators lead to war on India, Pakistani Army crossed borders and attacked India, forcing her into war
* Pakistan again started demanding demilitarization and Plebiscite
* The war began with Bombing by Pakistan on Indian territories, India started pushing back Pakistani armed forces at this juncture China supported Pakistan making an ultimatum that India close her military base in Tibet Sikkim border
* When sign of Pakistani defeat was imminent Pakistan accepted ceasefire agreement
* India gained 750 square miles of Pakistani territory
* This enabled the armed forces to regain its confidence after the defeat in the hands of china
* But the land gained by India was returned back as Tashkent agreement brokered by Soviet Union PM Koysigin
* Soon Lal Bhadur shastri dies
Tashkent Agreement
* The Tashkent agreement was a peace deal brokered by Soviet Union
* The Pakistani side maintained the same demand of Kashmir which India called integral Part
* Both sides stood rigid finally the agreement was signed with the following points in it
1 .India and Pakistan would make all efforts to create good neighborly relations between themselves, and affirmed their obligations under the UN Charter not to resort to force ,but settle their disputes through peaceful means.
2.All armed personnel of India and Pakistan were to be with rawn latest by February25 ,1966 to the positions they held prior to August 5,1965. (There by India losing the territory She captured during the war)
3.The relations between India and Pakistan would be based on the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of each other.
4.Both sides would discourage propaganda directed against each other, and encourage propaganda for promotion of friendly relations between the two .
5.Normal diplomatic activity was to be restored and the High Commissioners of India and Pakistan were to resume their duties.
6.Economic and trade relations,communication as well as cultural exchanges would be restored between India and Pakistan.
* Sooner than expected the Tashkent agreement was in shambles with increasing tensions between India and Pakistan due to various factors
* Pakistan tried to improve ties with Soviet Union to isolate India
* Signed treaties with china to transfer land to china which India claimed rights as disputed area
* The issue of Faraka barrage which invovled later became a contentious issue between India-Bangladesh relations
* At the height of soaring tensions India signed Indo-Soviet Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation
* byApril1971Soviet Union had abandoned the policy of simultaneous friendship with both India and Pakistan and
* Procured more and more arms from USA the final nail on the coffin was the Indo-Pak war of 1971 ,the liberation of Bangladesh which India won and East Pakistan was seceded from Pakistan which was followed by Shimla accord explained in India-Bangladesh relations earlier
Indo-Pak relations post Shimla agreement
* Pakistan kept raising the Kashmir issue again and again whereas forums with little success
* Indira Gandhi led government did nuclear test which was for peaceful purposes which again lead to soaring tensions
* With the fall of Indira government post emergency and under PM Moraji Desai,special focus was given to mending ties with various neibours
* Confidence building measures were taken with successful visit by Vajpayee
* Indias ties with Pakistan improved far better than the earlier times
* With re election of Indira Gandhi more steps were taken but Zia regime which held power through coup avoided such measures
* With this began a new turn of events, Pakistan after repeated defeats changed its approach from direct confrontation to promoting terror and destabilizing India ,particularly Kashmir which Pakistan was success in the earlier years
* The kidnap of Rubina Sayeed, the daughter of the then Union Minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed lead to prolonged bargaining
* For about 7 years there was no elections, there was prolonged battle between the militants and the security forces
* Since 1991 J&K was unrepresented in Lok sabha,only after 1996 was election held in which Dr.Farooq Abdullahs National conference emerged victorious
* Steps taken by successive governments in India bore no fruit as both Zia led government and Bhuto led government had an approach of All or nothing which led to a diplomatic standstill
* On the other had Indias relation with China and USA improved greatly, thus adding more advantage on the Indian side
The Gujaral Doctrine
* The Gujaral doctrine was based on the PMs approach larger neighbor giving more"
* Acccording to this various confidence building measures were taken of which the notable ones being easing up of Passport norms free visas for journalists,students,Seniors citizens
* But the overtures from the Indian side were not reciprocated by the Pakistani side as they clung to Kashmir as the core issue and the tug of war continued
Post Nuclear Tests
* As India followed by Pakistan conducted nuclear tests,both countries were put under sanctions which lead to reduction tensions between two sides
* Under the leadership of then PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee,confidence building measures were taken under which bus between Delhi and Lahore was proposed
* The Bus diplomacy was seen as a new milestone, Vajpayee himself took the first trip but the same was reciprocated by the Pakistani side
* At formal official level both PMs signed the Lahore declaration
The Lahore Declaration and the Kargil war 1998
* The Lahore declaration was about peace between neighbours
* Not to interfere in internal matters of other countries
* Commitment to UN charter
* While Lahore declaration was signed Pakistani army and civilian dressed army personnel had intruded the Kargil sector transgressing 10km into Indian territory
* This lead to Operation vijay in which Indian forces flushed out the Pakistani forces and won the war
* While Pakistan claimed it to be Kashmiri freedom fighters nobody was ready to buy it and Pakistan was isolated in the international community
* This was followed by Military coup in Pakistan which Nawaz Sharif declared himself the Chief executive of Pakistan
Indias Second Gamble
* Despite opposition against speaking to a military ruler Vajpayee again tried to improve Indo-Pak relations which was called Agra talks 2001
* Agra talks failed as both sides could not come to agreement on draft declaration
* It got worse as Musharraf blamed India for 1971 war and raked up Kashmir
* Thus the declaration failed to cover ground
* Matters got worse with when 9/11 attack on twin towers by Al Qaeda terrorist group which stayed in Afghanistan as USA needed Pakistani help to sustain attack on Taliban
* Musarraf grabbed this opportunity
* This alliance solved the monetary and military support that Pakistan was in dire need of.
India Pakistan Stand off
* India Pakistan relation reached its worst phase when a group of Pakistan trained militants attacked the Parliament when in session
* An attempt was made to bomb the Kashmir secretariat all this snowballed into a state of war
* India recalled her high commissioner from Hyderabad and sent back Deputy high commissioner of Pakistan as it was found him involved in funding money to terrorists
* India mobilized troops in her borders(Operation Parakarm) which was responded by Pakistan
* Elections were held in J& K despite infiltration bids by Pakistan
Issues and Initiatives till date
* The Manmohan singh led UPA government has been rigorously trying to normalize ties between India and Pakistan
* This lead to popular Cricket diplomacy in which Manmohan invited Pakistan chief Musharraf to India on the lines of UN general assembly session
* Earlier ,a Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus service was started (April 2005 ) to Link the capital of Jammu & Kashmir with the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir(POK) .
* A sudden turn of event occurred when Ex Pm of Pakistan in exile made statement that Musharraf was getting ready to deploy nuclear weapons on India which he was not aware of and was informed by Bill Clinton
* Keran sector in J&K has been in news for infiltration bid by Pakistan backed terrorist operations which was foiled by army after 15day operation
* The arrest of Abdul Karim Tunda ,Yasin Bhatkal has helped India in understanding various modules establish across India
* The modules are created using economic backwardness of youth and use of fake currency notes to fund them
* Earlier Pakistan had passed a resolution in Pakistans national assembly lead by JuD leader over hanging of Afzal guru and state of Kashmir
* India responded by passing a resolution stating not to interfere in Indian affairs
* Shahryar Khan, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's special envoy for improving relations with India, said Dawood was in Pakistan but has been "chased out" and could be in the United Arab Emirates.This after repeatedly claiming that Dawood was not in Pakistan later Pakistan went back on its word making a U turn
* In 2010 PMs of both nations at the SAARC meet decided to improve Indo Pak relations
* Follow up meetings were held by the two Foreign Ministers (Islamabad, July 2010), and the two Foreign Secretaries (Thimphu, February 2011).
During the latter meeting it was formally agreed to resume dialogue on all issues
(i) Counterterrorism & Humanitarian issues at Home Secretary level,
(ii) Economic issues at Commerce Secretary-level,
(iii) Tulbul Navigation Project at Water Resources Secretary-level,
(iv) Sir Creek at Surveyor General-level,
(v) Siachen at Defence Secretary-level, and
(vi) Peace & Security including Confidence Building Measures (CBMs),
(vii) Jammu & Kashmir and
(viii) Promotion of Friendly Exchanges at the level of the Foreign Secretaries.
* The main outcomes of the two rounds of resumed dialogue held between March 2011 and Sept 2012, were liberalization introduced in visa regime via a newVisa Agreement (finalized in Sep 2012 and operationalised in Dec 2012
* After two rounds of talks Pakistan chose new PM Nawaz Sharif
* Talking at Pakistan Journalist forum Nawaz Sharif said India and Pakistan should spend less defence budgets and focus to join hands and fight poverty
* In response to a request made by Pak PM Nawaz Sharif for assistance to tackle power crisis in Pakistan, the possibility of supplying gas by extending the Dadri-Bawana-Nangal pipeline from Jalandhar via Amritsar to Lahore is being explored
* The attack at LOC by Pakistani army became a eye sore in Indian relations India stopped the talks temporarily
* While India accorded Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to Pakistan in 1996, Pakistan is yet to accord MFN status to India, even after the approval by its cabinet in December 2012.
* A Joint Judicial Committee on Prisoners comprising retired Judges from the higher judiciary of both countries has been constituted to look at humanitarian
issues related to Prisoners and Fishermen in each others jail.
* The Committee visited Jails in Karachi, Rawalpindi and Lahore from 26-30 April 2013.
* India-Pakistan bilateral trade in 2012-13 was $2.3 billion (Indian exports to Pakistan are $1.84 billion and imports from Pakistan are $ 513 million).
* Pakistan exports to India crossed $500 million mark for the first time during this period.
* On the lines of UNGA Nawaz sharif again raised the Kashmir dispute to which Manmohan Singh in his speech at the UN General Assembly to denounce Pakistan as the epicenter of terrorism.
* Indias President Pranab Mukherjee, on a foreign trip to Belgium, echoed these words,condemning Pakistan for failing to apprehend terrorists operating on its soil.
* Pakistan suffers from socerers apprentice problem, funding terrorists for its own needs who has turned against Pakistan now
Fake currency Notes
* Pakistan has been officially printing fake currency notes and pushing into Indian borders for terror funding
* Recent analysis by whereas intelligence wings proved Pakistans involvement in fake Indian currency notes (FICN)
* Most of the pivotal parameters of the paper like GSM (paper density measured in grammes per square metre), Wax Pick Quotient, and Poly Vinyl Alcohol and PH Values were found matching with the legal tender of Pakistan.
* The parliamentary panel was informed that the volume of FICN smuggled into India in 2010 was betweenRs.1,500 andRs.1,700 crore which went up toRs.2,500 crore in 2012 - a rise of 55 per cent.
source: http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/nia-fake-indian-currency-notes-pakistan/1/321768.html
Conclusion
The only future ahead for Indo-Pak relations is Pakistan giving up terror funding and making earnest efforts to improve relation with India through trade and other options
//Personal Opinion(do delete its if found unworthy)
* Manmohan Singhs approach towards Pakistan seems to be on the lines of Gujral doctrine but a modified version
* While earlier at the Moraji rule and Indira rule despite earnest efforts from Indian side the Pakistani side blatantly avoided peace as in case of Zia
* In the current condition it is to be observed that while the powerless civilian government tries to mend ties, the powerful military appears to dilute such efforts with help of trained terrorists or Loc violations
* The Nawaz sharif government should use the people given mandate to peace with India
* The assumption that if Civilian government if made strong in Pakistan could bear fruit too could be a mirage, It should handle Pakistan both on civilian and military lines with atmost caution as peace in Afghanistan which is essential for peace in asia depends
* India has other pressing issues of International front with a ever assertive China growing stronger
* India must use Afghanistan to leverage advantage against Pakistan as China does with India and focus more on China.//End
Aditya RaviChandran
Sources
http://www.mea.gov.in/Portal/ForeignRelation/pakistan-august-2012.pdf
http://www.mea.gov.in/Portal/ForeignRelation/India-Pakistan_Relations.pdf
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http://thediplomat.com/2013/10/15/re-thinking-india-pakistan-relations/
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India%E2%80%93Pakistan_relations
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http://thediplomat.com/2013/10/15/re-thinking-india-pakistan-relations/
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http://southasiamonitor.org/detail.php?type=vign&nid=6101
This article starts from the past and comes to the present and how past and present have so far moulded Indias foreign policy towards Pakistan
* Pakistan was born out of M.A.Jinnahs Two nation theory
* Hindus and Muslims were two separate nations, and therefore two states must be constituted for the two communities.
* Pakistan foreign policy has been more on hostility towards India
Various issues that have played up between India & Pakistan
The Birth of Independence:
* The announcement that paramountcy would lapse and choice was given to the princes who ruled the state was most complicated problem that independent India faced on her Independence
* Sardar Patel, who was Home Minister in Nehru Cabinet, used his persuasive as well as coercive power to bring about merger of 567 of the native states with India.
* Five of the states decided to join Pakistan .Three of the states failed to take any decision.
* These were Junagarh ,Hyderabad and Jammu& Kashmir.
* The state of Junagarh ,in Kathiawad region, was ruled by a Muslim Nawab, but had a majority of Hindu population.
* He prolonged the decision on merger ,and finally chose to join Pakistan .Since Junagarh his surrounded by Indian territory
* Pakistan showed no interest
* India was forced to take military action in Junagarh .The Nawab fled to Pakistan
* Plebiscite was conducted which india won
* This was followed by Nizam of Hyderabad,who dreamt of a independent country and yet maintaining contacts with Pakistan
* The Nizam let loose Razakars, who were fundamentalists who attacked the population
* Finally operation Polo was launched and situation was brought under control
Kashmir Dispute
* Kashmir was called the heaven on earth but the hostile conditions between two nations has made it most affected since partition
* This northern state was populated predominantly by Muslims and was ruled by a Hindu Maharaja ,Hari Singh.
* Maharaja Hari Singh did not take any decision regarding state' s accession before ,or immediately after,August15,1947
* He planned to declare his kingdom Independent
* Pakistan started mounting pressure on him
* Prior to attack on Kashmir by Pakistan sponsored tribals Pakistani foreign official tried persuading him after the failure ,Pakistan sponsored tribesmen attacked Kashmir
* After this aggression by Pakistan Hari singh went in favour of accession to india
* India sent her troops, said after the aggression was vacated the wishes of the people would be ascertained on the question of accession.
* The Pakistani side disapproved the accession
* On January1 ,1948 India brought the matter to the notice of the United Nations Security Council under Article35 of the Charter .India sought UN assistance to have Pakistan-supported aggression vacated.
* Pakistan had installed a so-called Azad Kashmir Government in the territory occupied by the invaders .
* Even today Pakistan insists that the area under its control is independent orAzad Kashmir.
* During the pendency of the dispute in the Security Council,Liaquat Ali Khan,the Prime Minister of Pakistan ,announced that his government was willing to accept the proposal of plebiscite ,
* but stipulated certain conditions on which Azad Kashmir Government could be
persuaded to accept ceasefire.
* Liaquat Ali wanted withdrawal of Indian troops and immobilization of State'ssecurity forces,substitution of Sheikh Abdullah's government by a coalition including representatives of Azad Kashmir ,and then holding of plebiscite under international supervision .
* These conditions were totally unacceptable to India.
* Taking the issue to UN turned out to be one of gravest of mistakes by Nehru govt.
* After careful consideration, the Security Council appointed a three-member Commission on January20,1948
* The Commission had one nominee each of India and Pakistan and the third member was to be chosen by the two nominees.
* India nominated Czechoslovakia & Pakistan nominated Argentina as both could not agree on common member, USA was appointed for the post
* The Security Council added two more members ,Belgium and Colombia,
* The Commission was now called the United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan(UNCIP)
* The UNCIP submitted report which said
* Pakistan should withdraw its troops from Jammu &Kashmir as soon as possible after the ceasefire
* Pakistan should also try for withdrawal of Tribes men and Pakistan nationals who are not ordinary residents of Kashmir.
* The territory thus vacated by Pakistani troops should be administered By local officials under the supervision of the Commission
* India should also withdraw substantial strength of its troops
* Finally, pending a final agreement India should maintain only such limited troops as
should be essential for law and order.
* After initial reluctance ,Pakistan accepted these proposals and a ceasefire agreement was signed which was implemented by the two commanders on the Midnight of January1,1949.The war ended and a ceasefire became effective
* The ceasefire line now called the Line of Control was drawn where the fighting ended
* The region with Pakistan is called as Azad Kashmir
* The UNCIP recommended that the disagreements between the countries be brought before the Plebiscite Administrator which India refused the issue fell apart, the Administrator resigned
The McNaughton Plan
* General McNaughton was the was the President of Security council, he worked as an informal mediator
* Pakistan was in no mood to leave the land that it had transgressed on
* McNaughton proposed demilitarization of the complete region and a move towards plebiscite
* The plan did not make any mention between the aggressor and the victim, hence rejected by India
The Dixon Proposal
* After the failure of McNaughton plan, Sir Owen Dixon ,a judge of the High Court of Australia was assigned to look into the Kashmir issue
* He proposed complete demilitarization of the region,which india objected as india was in her territory and Pakistan being the aggressor in the case
* Dixon acknowledged indias contention of Pakistans violation yet kept both at same par
* Dixon proposed partition of Jammu & Kashmir along the cease fire line ,and yet he suggested plebiscite in the valley to determine its future.
* India opposed the proposal, Dixon suggested direct negations between two countries in the end
The Graham Mission
* Post failure of Dixon proposal again at the commonwealth confederacy held at London,it was proposed demilitarization of Kashmir which india opposed
* It also proposed holding of elections, constituent assembly elections.
* This proposal disturbed Pakistan
* Pakistan raised the issue in security council,The security council adopted join anglo American resolution proposing appointment of a mediator
* Accordingly,Dr Frank P.Graham of the United States was appointed
* Graham held discussion for demilitarization, which dragged on and no solution was at sight
* Admitting failure he proposed direct negotiations, as per grahams proposal of direct negotiations, both nations held talks and decided to hold plebiscite in 1954
* This could not go ahead as there was no common choice of common plebiscite administrator
* In 1957,UN representative Gunnar reported that the situation in JK was not supportive of plebiscite as so much has overtaken past events
* The Constituent Assembly of Jammu & Kashmir ,elected on the basis of adult franchise ,ratified the State's accession to India on February 6,1954
* A Constitution of the State was adapted on 19 November 1956 which declared Jammu & Kashmir to be an integral part of India
* With this the issue of ascertaining the wishes of the people was fulfilled ,India finalized the accession on jan 26,1957
* This from Indias point of view ended the issue if plebiscite
Sharing of River waters
Already explained by mrunal comprehensively
India Pakistan relations till 1965 War
* Pakistan joined the western block against the spread of Communism in reality it wanted to extract as much resources and forces against India by all possible means
* Joined western bloc in 1954 and signed military pact with USA , South East Asia Treaty Organisation (SEATO) and Baghdad Pact.
* Pakistan used USAs fight against communism and played up to its aid claiming if Kashmir issue was not resolved the spread of Communism to Kashmir was imminent
* Soon USA started giving military aid was given to Pakistan for the containment of Communism which later turned out be war in Afghanistan which has been discussed earlier in India Afghan section
* When Pakistan realized western bloc did not serve its purpose, moved close towards China both turned opportunistic friends post India china war of 1962
* When USA & Britain gave aids to India during the the indo china war Pakistan vehemently opposed it
* A joint statement Nov 1962 was issued by Nehru and Ayub Khan that disputes between India and Pakistan would be solved by dialogue
* But on the eve of Calcutta meeting with India, Pakistan transferred to China territories which India claimed right on proving Pakistans double speak
Dispute of Rann of Kutch
* Situated on Gujarat Sindh border-Pakistan claims right over the region
* India refuses, followed by armed clash in april 1965
* Pakistan crossed borders and took control of some parts of Kutch, the weapons used by Pakistan at this time was from USA aids
* Following the mediation by British PM Wilson, ceasefire took place and troops moved back to jan 1965 positions
* Was decided that the issue be placed before a three member tribunal of arbitrators
* The award came in 1968 which was 10% for Pakistan and 90% for India
* This order was criticized back in India but as the commitment was made in 1965 she decided to keep her promise
Indo Pak war 1965
* The Gamble that Pakistan took in Kutch was followed by the infiltration bid by Pakistan in Kashmir
* Pakistani army men in civilian were sent to infiltrate into Kashmir
* Earlier Pakistan had been sending feelers to Soviet Union of friendship between the two nations which Soviet union responded positively which disturbed India
* Indian PM Lal bahadur Shastri went to Soviet union to strengthen Indias ties more towards India with little success
* The infiltration bid was announced in Radio Pakistan as a fit by the Kashmiris against the State machinery while the infiltrators were inciting violence
* Radio Pakistan claimed the kashmiris revolted the airport had fallen and Srinagar was about to fall whereas the reality was otherwise
* The armed forces took up the matter foiled all the bids to destroy peace in Kashmir followed it with attacking infiltration camps capturing and sealing pass Hajipir pass which was used to enter India by infiltrators
* India requested UN general secretary U.Thant to ensure withdraw of infiltrators but Pakistan claimed innocence
* The disastrous failure of infiltrators lead to war on India, Pakistani Army crossed borders and attacked India, forcing her into war
* Pakistan again started demanding demilitarization and Plebiscite
* The war began with Bombing by Pakistan on Indian territories, India started pushing back Pakistani armed forces at this juncture China supported Pakistan making an ultimatum that India close her military base in Tibet Sikkim border
* When sign of Pakistani defeat was imminent Pakistan accepted ceasefire agreement
* India gained 750 square miles of Pakistani territory
* This enabled the armed forces to regain its confidence after the defeat in the hands of china
* But the land gained by India was returned back as Tashkent agreement brokered by Soviet Union PM Koysigin
* Soon Lal Bhadur shastri dies
Tashkent Agreement
* The Tashkent agreement was a peace deal brokered by Soviet Union
* The Pakistani side maintained the same demand of Kashmir which India called integral Part
* Both sides stood rigid finally the agreement was signed with the following points in it
1 .India and Pakistan would make all efforts to create good neighborly relations between themselves, and affirmed their obligations under the UN Charter not to resort to force ,but settle their disputes through peaceful means.
2.All armed personnel of India and Pakistan were to be with rawn latest by February25 ,1966 to the positions they held prior to August 5,1965. (There by India losing the territory She captured during the war)
3.The relations between India and Pakistan would be based on the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of each other.
4.Both sides would discourage propaganda directed against each other, and encourage propaganda for promotion of friendly relations between the two .
5.Normal diplomatic activity was to be restored and the High Commissioners of India and Pakistan were to resume their duties.
6.Economic and trade relations,communication as well as cultural exchanges would be restored between India and Pakistan.
* Sooner than expected the Tashkent agreement was in shambles with increasing tensions between India and Pakistan due to various factors
* Pakistan tried to improve ties with Soviet Union to isolate India
* Signed treaties with china to transfer land to china which India claimed rights as disputed area
* The issue of Faraka barrage which invovled later became a contentious issue between India-Bangladesh relations
* At the height of soaring tensions India signed Indo-Soviet Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation
* byApril1971Soviet Union had abandoned the policy of simultaneous friendship with both India and Pakistan and
* Procured more and more arms from USA the final nail on the coffin was the Indo-Pak war of 1971 ,the liberation of Bangladesh which India won and East Pakistan was seceded from Pakistan which was followed by Shimla accord explained in India-Bangladesh relations earlier
Indo-Pak relations post Shimla agreement
* Pakistan kept raising the Kashmir issue again and again whereas forums with little success
* Indira Gandhi led government did nuclear test which was for peaceful purposes which again lead to soaring tensions
* With the fall of Indira government post emergency and under PM Moraji Desai,special focus was given to mending ties with various neibours
* Confidence building measures were taken with successful visit by Vajpayee
* Indias ties with Pakistan improved far better than the earlier times
* With re election of Indira Gandhi more steps were taken but Zia regime which held power through coup avoided such measures
* With this began a new turn of events, Pakistan after repeated defeats changed its approach from direct confrontation to promoting terror and destabilizing India ,particularly Kashmir which Pakistan was success in the earlier years
* The kidnap of Rubina Sayeed, the daughter of the then Union Minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed lead to prolonged bargaining
* For about 7 years there was no elections, there was prolonged battle between the militants and the security forces
* Since 1991 J&K was unrepresented in Lok sabha,only after 1996 was election held in which Dr.Farooq Abdullahs National conference emerged victorious
* Steps taken by successive governments in India bore no fruit as both Zia led government and Bhuto led government had an approach of All or nothing which led to a diplomatic standstill
* On the other had Indias relation with China and USA improved greatly, thus adding more advantage on the Indian side
The Gujaral Doctrine
* The Gujaral doctrine was based on the PMs approach larger neighbor giving more"
* Acccording to this various confidence building measures were taken of which the notable ones being easing up of Passport norms free visas for journalists,students,Seniors citizens
* But the overtures from the Indian side were not reciprocated by the Pakistani side as they clung to Kashmir as the core issue and the tug of war continued
Post Nuclear Tests
* As India followed by Pakistan conducted nuclear tests,both countries were put under sanctions which lead to reduction tensions between two sides
* Under the leadership of then PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee,confidence building measures were taken under which bus between Delhi and Lahore was proposed
* The Bus diplomacy was seen as a new milestone, Vajpayee himself took the first trip but the same was reciprocated by the Pakistani side
* At formal official level both PMs signed the Lahore declaration
The Lahore Declaration and the Kargil war 1998
* The Lahore declaration was about peace between neighbours
* Not to interfere in internal matters of other countries
* Commitment to UN charter
* While Lahore declaration was signed Pakistani army and civilian dressed army personnel had intruded the Kargil sector transgressing 10km into Indian territory
* This lead to Operation vijay in which Indian forces flushed out the Pakistani forces and won the war
* While Pakistan claimed it to be Kashmiri freedom fighters nobody was ready to buy it and Pakistan was isolated in the international community
* This was followed by Military coup in Pakistan which Nawaz Sharif declared himself the Chief executive of Pakistan
Indias Second Gamble
* Despite opposition against speaking to a military ruler Vajpayee again tried to improve Indo-Pak relations which was called Agra talks 2001
* Agra talks failed as both sides could not come to agreement on draft declaration
* It got worse as Musharraf blamed India for 1971 war and raked up Kashmir
* Thus the declaration failed to cover ground
* Matters got worse with when 9/11 attack on twin towers by Al Qaeda terrorist group which stayed in Afghanistan as USA needed Pakistani help to sustain attack on Taliban
* Musarraf grabbed this opportunity
* This alliance solved the monetary and military support that Pakistan was in dire need of.
India Pakistan Stand off
* India Pakistan relation reached its worst phase when a group of Pakistan trained militants attacked the Parliament when in session
* An attempt was made to bomb the Kashmir secretariat all this snowballed into a state of war
* India recalled her high commissioner from Hyderabad and sent back Deputy high commissioner of Pakistan as it was found him involved in funding money to terrorists
* India mobilized troops in her borders(Operation Parakarm) which was responded by Pakistan
* Elections were held in J& K despite infiltration bids by Pakistan
Issues and Initiatives till date
* The Manmohan singh led UPA government has been rigorously trying to normalize ties between India and Pakistan
* This lead to popular Cricket diplomacy in which Manmohan invited Pakistan chief Musharraf to India on the lines of UN general assembly session
* Earlier ,a Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus service was started (April 2005 ) to Link the capital of Jammu & Kashmir with the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir(POK) .
* A sudden turn of event occurred when Ex Pm of Pakistan in exile made statement that Musharraf was getting ready to deploy nuclear weapons on India which he was not aware of and was informed by Bill Clinton
* Keran sector in J&K has been in news for infiltration bid by Pakistan backed terrorist operations which was foiled by army after 15day operation
* The arrest of Abdul Karim Tunda ,Yasin Bhatkal has helped India in understanding various modules establish across India
* The modules are created using economic backwardness of youth and use of fake currency notes to fund them
* Earlier Pakistan had passed a resolution in Pakistans national assembly lead by JuD leader over hanging of Afzal guru and state of Kashmir
* India responded by passing a resolution stating not to interfere in Indian affairs
* Shahryar Khan, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's special envoy for improving relations with India, said Dawood was in Pakistan but has been "chased out" and could be in the United Arab Emirates.This after repeatedly claiming that Dawood was not in Pakistan later Pakistan went back on its word making a U turn
* In 2010 PMs of both nations at the SAARC meet decided to improve Indo Pak relations
* Follow up meetings were held by the two Foreign Ministers (Islamabad, July 2010), and the two Foreign Secretaries (Thimphu, February 2011).
During the latter meeting it was formally agreed to resume dialogue on all issues
(i) Counterterrorism & Humanitarian issues at Home Secretary level,
(ii) Economic issues at Commerce Secretary-level,
(iii) Tulbul Navigation Project at Water Resources Secretary-level,
(iv) Sir Creek at Surveyor General-level,
(v) Siachen at Defence Secretary-level, and
(vi) Peace & Security including Confidence Building Measures (CBMs),
(vii) Jammu & Kashmir and
(viii) Promotion of Friendly Exchanges at the level of the Foreign Secretaries.
* The main outcomes of the two rounds of resumed dialogue held between March 2011 and Sept 2012, were liberalization introduced in visa regime via a newVisa Agreement (finalized in Sep 2012 and operationalised in Dec 2012
* After two rounds of talks Pakistan chose new PM Nawaz Sharif
* Talking at Pakistan Journalist forum Nawaz Sharif said India and Pakistan should spend less defence budgets and focus to join hands and fight poverty
* In response to a request made by Pak PM Nawaz Sharif for assistance to tackle power crisis in Pakistan, the possibility of supplying gas by extending the Dadri-Bawana-Nangal pipeline from Jalandhar via Amritsar to Lahore is being explored
* The attack at LOC by Pakistani army became a eye sore in Indian relations India stopped the talks temporarily
* While India accorded Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to Pakistan in 1996, Pakistan is yet to accord MFN status to India, even after the approval by its cabinet in December 2012.
* A Joint Judicial Committee on Prisoners comprising retired Judges from the higher judiciary of both countries has been constituted to look at humanitarian
issues related to Prisoners and Fishermen in each others jail.
* The Committee visited Jails in Karachi, Rawalpindi and Lahore from 26-30 April 2013.
* India-Pakistan bilateral trade in 2012-13 was $2.3 billion (Indian exports to Pakistan are $1.84 billion and imports from Pakistan are $ 513 million).
* Pakistan exports to India crossed $500 million mark for the first time during this period.
* On the lines of UNGA Nawaz sharif again raised the Kashmir dispute to which Manmohan Singh in his speech at the UN General Assembly to denounce Pakistan as the epicenter of terrorism.
* Indias President Pranab Mukherjee, on a foreign trip to Belgium, echoed these words,condemning Pakistan for failing to apprehend terrorists operating on its soil.
* Pakistan suffers from socerers apprentice problem, funding terrorists for its own needs who has turned against Pakistan now
Fake currency Notes
* Pakistan has been officially printing fake currency notes and pushing into Indian borders for terror funding
* Recent analysis by whereas intelligence wings proved Pakistans involvement in fake Indian currency notes (FICN)
* Most of the pivotal parameters of the paper like GSM (paper density measured in grammes per square metre), Wax Pick Quotient, and Poly Vinyl Alcohol and PH Values were found matching with the legal tender of Pakistan.
* The parliamentary panel was informed that the volume of FICN smuggled into India in 2010 was betweenRs.1,500 andRs.1,700 crore which went up toRs.2,500 crore in 2012 - a rise of 55 per cent.
source: http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/nia-fake-indian-currency-notes-pakistan/1/321768.html
Conclusion
The only future ahead for Indo-Pak relations is Pakistan giving up terror funding and making earnest efforts to improve relation with India through trade and other options
//Personal Opinion(do delete its if found unworthy)
* Manmohan Singhs approach towards Pakistan seems to be on the lines of Gujral doctrine but a modified version
* While earlier at the Moraji rule and Indira rule despite earnest efforts from Indian side the Pakistani side blatantly avoided peace as in case of Zia
* In the current condition it is to be observed that while the powerless civilian government tries to mend ties, the powerful military appears to dilute such efforts with help of trained terrorists or Loc violations
* The Nawaz sharif government should use the people given mandate to peace with India
* The assumption that if Civilian government if made strong in Pakistan could bear fruit too could be a mirage, It should handle Pakistan both on civilian and military lines with atmost caution as peace in Afghanistan which is essential for peace in asia depends
* India has other pressing issues of International front with a ever assertive China growing stronger
* India must use Afghanistan to leverage advantage against Pakistan as China does with India and focus more on China.//End
Aditya RaviChandran
Sources
http://www.mea.gov.in/Portal/ForeignRelation/pakistan-august-2012.pdf
http://www.mea.gov.in/Portal/ForeignRelation/India-Pakistan_Relations.pdf
http://mea.gov.in/articles-in-indian-media.htm?dtl/22141/IndoPak+relations+New+beginnings+old+endings
http://thediplomat.com/2013/10/15/re-thinking-india-pakistan-relations/
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/barack-obama-secretly-offered-pakistan-to-nudge-india-on-kashmir-former-ambassador-to-us-husain-haqqani/articleshow/25254379.cms
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013_India%E2%80%93Pakistan_border_skirmishes
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India%E2%80%93Pakistan_relations
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/et-cetera/us-consulting-india-pakistan-to-commence-negotiations-of-fmct/articleshow/25246874.cms
http://www.ipcs.org/news/indo-pak/index-1.html
http://www.idsa.in/taxonomy/term/195
http://www.idsa.in/idsacomments/WillitbeanewphaseinIndiaPakistanRelations_agupta_160513
http://www.idsa.in/idsacomments/IndiaPakistanEnergyTrade_mvaidtsmaini_270513
http://asiasociety.org/countries/conflicts/india-pakistan-relations-50-year-history
http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2012/06/06/managing-india-pakistan-trade-relations/
http://www.isn.ethz.ch/Digital-Library/Articles/Detail/?ots591=0c54e3b3-1e9c-be1e-2c24-a6a8c7060233&lng=en&id=101116
http://thediplomat.com/indian-decade/2011/10/06/singh%E2%80%99s-bold-foreign-policy/
http://thediplomat.com/2013/10/15/re-thinking-india-pakistan-relations/
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/manmohan-singh-asks-nawaz-sharif-to-curb-crossborder-terrorism/article5182539.ece
http://m.indiatoday.in/story/pm-manmohan-singh-trip-to-us-nawaz-sharif-reporters-diary/1/311711.html
http://www.worldaffairsjournal.org/world-news/people/manmohan-singh
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/indiahome/indianews/article-2449045/Peace-talks-pointless-Pakistan-takes-responsibility-terrorists-soil.html
http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2012/11/27/manmohan-singhs-pakistan-policy/
http://southasiamonitor.org/detail.php?type=vign&nid=6101
India-Bangladesh Land Boundary Agreement: Why a Must?
The demand for ratifying the Land Boundary Agreement between India and Bangladesh has once more been placed on the anvil. The then Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina signed an agreement in 2011 but unfortunately even the monsoon session of the Indian Parliament could not pass the 119th Amendment Bill, 2013 which seeks to ratify the agreement. Now with the full attention diverted to the forthcoming elections in both the nations by 2014, the bill is expected to gather dust for some time more.
What is Land Boundary Agreement?
Before 1971 Pakistan was divided into two-Eastern Pakistan and Western Pakistan. Though geographically detached, the Pakistan Government exercised sovereignty in both the regions. But the increasing authoritarian clout and coercive spread of Urdu in Eastern Pakistan led to widespread dissention and ultimately led to war in 1971. With Indian assistance Western Pakistan lost the war and resulted in the formation of a new state Bangladesh in eastern and Pakistan in western region. However there were many ramifications as a result. It led to the formation of enclaves in both India and Bangladesh. An enclave is a region surrounded by the territory of another state. There can also be further complicated situations like an enclave within an enclave: counter enclave and an enclave within a counter enclave: counter-counter enclave. Currently there are 111 Indian enclaves in Bangladesh and 51 Bangladeshi enclaves in India which include a few counter-enclaves and counter-counter-enclaves. The Land Boundary Agreement of 1974 envisages the exchange of these regions for smooth and cohesive administration and aims to better demarcate the land boundary between them.
Points of Opposition:-
1. That this proposed exchange will result in a loss of about 10,000 acres of land to India.
2. It will fuel secessionist tendencies in other parts too.
How it is important?
1. Currently about 51,000 people are languishing in these regions without any rights, security, privileges or even a national citizenship. International law conclusively bequeaths a States sovereignty and its supreme power over its territory. It includes the right to restrict or regulate access to and transportation to any part of its territory. This exacerbates the scenario for people residing in the enclaves. The residents of an enclave cannot travel to their own home state without crossing international borders and without acquiring the required documents for the same. They essentially remain prisoners within these enclaves as they cannot even travel outside their restricted zone without acquiring valid travel documents even for trade or their livelihood means. In this context they do not enjoy the same basic prerogatives as enjoyed by other citizens of the mainland. Hence it is highly essential to exchange these enclaves for the welfare of these people who have hitherto remained in limbo.
1. It is impossible for any governmental agencies of the home state to access their enclaves for various schemes and programs despite its sovereignty over it without the permission of the state surrounding it. So any absence of an international agreement between the nations concerned results in the governmental exclusion of the people in these regions resulting ultimately in social exclusion too.
1. The Indian states with Bangladeshi enclaves are Assam, Tripura, West Bengal and Meghalaya. Land has always been a contentious issue in these tribal dominated north eastern regions for decades. Any attempt to disrupt the indigenous rights of the tribal people to their land has always ended in an incendiary strife. Therefore there is a need to handle this fragile issue with utmost delicacy and precision so that the swapping results in a better demarcation of the boundaries of these states and hence better administration for the backward classes.
1. These enclaves have always remained outside the gamut of any political agenda. We have never been able to access or govern these regions. If not for some white papers no one would even notice the loss of these territories. Hence the argument that it would result in a loss of about 10,000 acres of land to us is only a minor glitch that we can afford and which in turn would benefit both the sides.
1. The very gist of the premise of the argument that the swap will lead to further outcries for secession from the territory of India is fallacious in nature. An enclave has a very unique geographic position and it cannot be compared to other parts of the mainland. The cry for secession is mainly a manifestation of the will of the people unlike the situation existing on the enclaves where the decision to swap is mainly for better administration of the residents. A policy enacted through an act of Amendment to the Constitution of India can hardly be compared to an expression of the will of the people to secede.
It is high time that the Indian law-makers wake up to the cries of the peoples grievances suffering in these regions and take necessary steps required and ratify the agreement as soon as possible and be a role-model for the whole world to emulate.
Balasubramanyan.R.Menon
Reference: www.thehindu.com, www.thedailystar.net, www.futuredirections.org
What is Land Boundary Agreement?
Before 1971 Pakistan was divided into two-Eastern Pakistan and Western Pakistan. Though geographically detached, the Pakistan Government exercised sovereignty in both the regions. But the increasing authoritarian clout and coercive spread of Urdu in Eastern Pakistan led to widespread dissention and ultimately led to war in 1971. With Indian assistance Western Pakistan lost the war and resulted in the formation of a new state Bangladesh in eastern and Pakistan in western region. However there were many ramifications as a result. It led to the formation of enclaves in both India and Bangladesh. An enclave is a region surrounded by the territory of another state. There can also be further complicated situations like an enclave within an enclave: counter enclave and an enclave within a counter enclave: counter-counter enclave. Currently there are 111 Indian enclaves in Bangladesh and 51 Bangladeshi enclaves in India which include a few counter-enclaves and counter-counter-enclaves. The Land Boundary Agreement of 1974 envisages the exchange of these regions for smooth and cohesive administration and aims to better demarcate the land boundary between them.
Points of Opposition:-
1. That this proposed exchange will result in a loss of about 10,000 acres of land to India.
2. It will fuel secessionist tendencies in other parts too.
How it is important?
1. Currently about 51,000 people are languishing in these regions without any rights, security, privileges or even a national citizenship. International law conclusively bequeaths a States sovereignty and its supreme power over its territory. It includes the right to restrict or regulate access to and transportation to any part of its territory. This exacerbates the scenario for people residing in the enclaves. The residents of an enclave cannot travel to their own home state without crossing international borders and without acquiring the required documents for the same. They essentially remain prisoners within these enclaves as they cannot even travel outside their restricted zone without acquiring valid travel documents even for trade or their livelihood means. In this context they do not enjoy the same basic prerogatives as enjoyed by other citizens of the mainland. Hence it is highly essential to exchange these enclaves for the welfare of these people who have hitherto remained in limbo.
1. It is impossible for any governmental agencies of the home state to access their enclaves for various schemes and programs despite its sovereignty over it without the permission of the state surrounding it. So any absence of an international agreement between the nations concerned results in the governmental exclusion of the people in these regions resulting ultimately in social exclusion too.
1. The Indian states with Bangladeshi enclaves are Assam, Tripura, West Bengal and Meghalaya. Land has always been a contentious issue in these tribal dominated north eastern regions for decades. Any attempt to disrupt the indigenous rights of the tribal people to their land has always ended in an incendiary strife. Therefore there is a need to handle this fragile issue with utmost delicacy and precision so that the swapping results in a better demarcation of the boundaries of these states and hence better administration for the backward classes.
1. These enclaves have always remained outside the gamut of any political agenda. We have never been able to access or govern these regions. If not for some white papers no one would even notice the loss of these territories. Hence the argument that it would result in a loss of about 10,000 acres of land to us is only a minor glitch that we can afford and which in turn would benefit both the sides.
1. The very gist of the premise of the argument that the swap will lead to further outcries for secession from the territory of India is fallacious in nature. An enclave has a very unique geographic position and it cannot be compared to other parts of the mainland. The cry for secession is mainly a manifestation of the will of the people unlike the situation existing on the enclaves where the decision to swap is mainly for better administration of the residents. A policy enacted through an act of Amendment to the Constitution of India can hardly be compared to an expression of the will of the people to secede.
It is high time that the Indian law-makers wake up to the cries of the peoples grievances suffering in these regions and take necessary steps required and ratify the agreement as soon as possible and be a role-model for the whole world to emulate.
Balasubramanyan.R.Menon
Reference: www.thehindu.com, www.thedailystar.net, www.futuredirections.org
Bilateral, Regional & Global groupings and agreements involving India &
Bilateral, Regional & Global groupings and agreements involving India & Indias Interests
S. No.Groupings and AgreementsEstablished onParticiapting CountriesMain Aim
1Look East Policystarted in 1992healthy relations with south east asian nationsto cultivate economic and strategic relations and to counterweight strategic influence of PRC(Peoples Republic of China)
2BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Muti-Sectoral Technical and Economic Co-operation)Formed in 1997(Bangladesh, India Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan & Nepal)13 priority sectors leading to cooperation i.e trade & Investment , energy, tourism, tech, fisheries, public health, poverty alleviation , culture, Environment natural disaster management, counter terrorism, Transport & Comm, People to people contact
3Mekong- Ganga Cooperation(MGC)Estb. in 2000India, Thailand, Myanmar, Combodia, Loas & Vietnamonly 4 areas; tourism, transport, education & culture
4East Asia Summitformed in 16th dec, 2005forum of 16 countries in east asian region held annuallyTRADE is main focus, regional integration and energy also; Trade and the comprehensive economic partnership in east Asia(CEPEA); total nos of summit is 7; last is 7th at Cambodia 2012
5NSSP-> Next steps in strategic partnershipstarted in jan 2004India & USnuclear, defense technology, export control & space
6South South CooperationLate 90sMajor South Countriestechnology and knowledge between Least Developed Countries (LDC)
7IBSA Dialogue ForumEstablished in 2003 after brasilia declaration. India, Brazil & South Africatripartite grouping to promote international cooperation (agri,trade, culture & defense) among the countries and also promotes South-South Cooperation
8BRICSstarted in 2006Brazil, Russia, India, China & South Africaall are developing or newly industrialized countries; 4th summit in NEW DELHI & 5th in Durban, South Africa (March, 2013);
9SAARC (South Asian Association of Regional CooperationIndia, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh & Afghanistan{joined in 2007};formed on 8th Dec, 1985; total members 8(7 founding + 1);HQ at Kathmandu, Nepal; AIM- for the same as above i.e. Economical, social, cultural and technological etc.
10SAFTA (South Asian Free Trade Agreement At 12th summit of SAARC, 2004it was agreed for free trade in SAARC countries.
11Group o$ Eigth plus Five(G8+5);group of Eight heads of Govt + Five of emerging economies i.e Brazil, India, China, South Africa, Mexicofoundation year 2005; Main Indicator; ECONOMY
12G4 Nations->Brazil, Japan, India, Germany Supporting each other for permanent seat in UNSC.
13Asian Development Bank (ADB);Serving in ASIA & Pacific formed in 1966; total Members; 67 HQ- Philippines; fighting poverty in Asia & Pacific;For India & Pakistan - Helped in micro finance support in Private enterprise
14G-20Group of Twenty Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors ; 19+ European1998; Recent Meeting- 8th at St. Petersburg, Russia in September, 2013To bring together systematically important industrialized and developing economies to address key global issues.
15NAM (Non Align Movement)group of nations which are not formally aligned or against the Power Blocfounded in Belgrade in 196116th NAM Summit took place in Tehran, Iran in Aug; term NON ALIGN was coined by V. K. Krishna Menon; Basic principles of Panchsheel (Five principles of peaceful co-existence, Indo-Sino Relations ) are the pillars of NAM
16123 AgreementUS & All Countries an agreement for cooperation as a prerequisite for nuclear deals between the US and any other nation
17Indo US Nuclear DealIndia & USJuly 2005Indias all nuclear activities will be under IAEA safeguards and US will work for civil nuclear cooperation
18DDA (Doha Development Round)b/w Developed countries & Developing Countriestrade negotiation round of WTO in 2001; its main objective is to lower trade barriers around the world to promote trade
19Most Favoured Nation (MFN)Can be anyone.In international politics & economic relations, a country gives a status of Most Favoured Nation which gives trade advantage (low barrier & high import quotas) to another country. India has given MFN status to Vietnam & Paksitan but Pakistan is still thinking to give India.
* India may get entry in Nuclear Supplier Group, Wassenaar Agreement, Australia Group & Missile Technology Control Regime by the help of Barack Obama announcement.
Name: Aditya Prasad
References- 1)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page
2)World Focus Magazine
3) Google
S. No.Groupings and AgreementsEstablished onParticiapting CountriesMain Aim
1Look East Policystarted in 1992healthy relations with south east asian nationsto cultivate economic and strategic relations and to counterweight strategic influence of PRC(Peoples Republic of China)
2BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Muti-Sectoral Technical and Economic Co-operation)Formed in 1997(Bangladesh, India Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan & Nepal)13 priority sectors leading to cooperation i.e trade & Investment , energy, tourism, tech, fisheries, public health, poverty alleviation , culture, Environment natural disaster management, counter terrorism, Transport & Comm, People to people contact
3Mekong- Ganga Cooperation(MGC)Estb. in 2000India, Thailand, Myanmar, Combodia, Loas & Vietnamonly 4 areas; tourism, transport, education & culture
4East Asia Summitformed in 16th dec, 2005forum of 16 countries in east asian region held annuallyTRADE is main focus, regional integration and energy also; Trade and the comprehensive economic partnership in east Asia(CEPEA); total nos of summit is 7; last is 7th at Cambodia 2012
5NSSP-> Next steps in strategic partnershipstarted in jan 2004India & USnuclear, defense technology, export control & space
6South South CooperationLate 90sMajor South Countriestechnology and knowledge between Least Developed Countries (LDC)
7IBSA Dialogue ForumEstablished in 2003 after brasilia declaration. India, Brazil & South Africatripartite grouping to promote international cooperation (agri,trade, culture & defense) among the countries and also promotes South-South Cooperation
8BRICSstarted in 2006Brazil, Russia, India, China & South Africaall are developing or newly industrialized countries; 4th summit in NEW DELHI & 5th in Durban, South Africa (March, 2013);
9SAARC (South Asian Association of Regional CooperationIndia, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh & Afghanistan{joined in 2007};formed on 8th Dec, 1985; total members 8(7 founding + 1);HQ at Kathmandu, Nepal; AIM- for the same as above i.e. Economical, social, cultural and technological etc.
10SAFTA (South Asian Free Trade Agreement At 12th summit of SAARC, 2004it was agreed for free trade in SAARC countries.
11Group o$ Eigth plus Five(G8+5);group of Eight heads of Govt + Five of emerging economies i.e Brazil, India, China, South Africa, Mexicofoundation year 2005; Main Indicator; ECONOMY
12G4 Nations->Brazil, Japan, India, Germany Supporting each other for permanent seat in UNSC.
13Asian Development Bank (ADB);Serving in ASIA & Pacific formed in 1966; total Members; 67 HQ- Philippines; fighting poverty in Asia & Pacific;For India & Pakistan - Helped in micro finance support in Private enterprise
14G-20Group of Twenty Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors ; 19+ European1998; Recent Meeting- 8th at St. Petersburg, Russia in September, 2013To bring together systematically important industrialized and developing economies to address key global issues.
15NAM (Non Align Movement)group of nations which are not formally aligned or against the Power Blocfounded in Belgrade in 196116th NAM Summit took place in Tehran, Iran in Aug; term NON ALIGN was coined by V. K. Krishna Menon; Basic principles of Panchsheel (Five principles of peaceful co-existence, Indo-Sino Relations ) are the pillars of NAM
16123 AgreementUS & All Countries an agreement for cooperation as a prerequisite for nuclear deals between the US and any other nation
17Indo US Nuclear DealIndia & USJuly 2005Indias all nuclear activities will be under IAEA safeguards and US will work for civil nuclear cooperation
18DDA (Doha Development Round)b/w Developed countries & Developing Countriestrade negotiation round of WTO in 2001; its main objective is to lower trade barriers around the world to promote trade
19Most Favoured Nation (MFN)Can be anyone.In international politics & economic relations, a country gives a status of Most Favoured Nation which gives trade advantage (low barrier & high import quotas) to another country. India has given MFN status to Vietnam & Paksitan but Pakistan is still thinking to give India.
* India may get entry in Nuclear Supplier Group, Wassenaar Agreement, Australia Group & Missile Technology Control Regime by the help of Barack Obama announcement.
Name: Aditya Prasad
References- 1)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page
2)World Focus Magazine
3) Google
India Bangladesh Relations
Background:
Birth of Bangladesh:
* Bangladesh was born out of Bangladesh liberation war of 1971 followed by India entering the war known as Indo-Pakistan war of 1971
Bangladesh war of Liberation:
Causes:
* When India & Pakistan got independence, Pakistan had two parts namely East Pakistan & West Pakistan
* The Liberation mainly happened due to the step motherly treatment meted towards East Pakistan
* West Pakistan had four provinces: Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and the North-West Frontier. The fifth province was East Pakistan
* East Pakistan made 70% of Pakistans exports yet was provided only 25% of the imported money
* East Pakistan had the highest population of all the 5 provinces yet had very less political power when compared to west
* In 1948 Muhammad Ali Jinnah stated the official language of Pakistan was Urdu there was resentment among East Pakistanis as they spoke Bangla,they disagreed.
* This lead to protests in East Pakistan on 21 February 1952 7 students were killed in fierce protest
* 21 February since then is observed each year to emphasize the importance of the Bengali language.
* February 21st is now recognized as the International Mother Language Day by the United Nations
* Cyclone Bhola hit east Pakistan in 1971 killing 5 lakh people the Pakistani Govt. did not provide enough relief adding more misery
Immediate Causes
* The Awami League, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, won a landslide victory in the national elections in 1971 and demanded autonomy for East Pakistan.
* This victory gave it the right to form a government, but Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party refused to let the Sheikh become the Prime Minister of Pakistan.
* The war broke out when Pakistani Army launched Operation Searchlight which was to kill anybody who supported the claim of accepting the democratic elections that gave Awami clear majority
* In response East Pakistan declared Independence, Bengali military, paramilitary and civilians formed the Mukti Bahini, which engaged in guerrilla warfareagainst Pakistani forces.
* The wide spread atrocities by Pakistani Army lead to refugees entering India, The East Pakistan-India border was opened to allowrefugeessafe shelter in India
* The then PM Indira Gandhi appealed to international community with no proper response.
* Indian intelligence trained the Mukti Bahini
* On 9 August 1971, India signed atwenty-year co-operation treatywith the Soviet Union which promised military support to nation on being attacked
* To the Pakistani leadership this seemed to be a plan by India to go on war with Pakistan
* Operation Chengis Khan was launched on India, Pakistan Air force attacked forward air bases of India.
* The then PM Indira Gandhi declared war on Pakistan & thus India entered the war on December 3,1971 ended on 16, December 1971 liberating East Pakistan the future Bangladesh .
* War ended in 13 days one of the shortest in history
* China & USA were one of the last countries to recognize Bangladesh
What followed?
* Soon after Bangladesh was recognized Indira Gandhi signed treaty with Acting president Nazrul Islam according to which India would leave Bangladesh as soon as normalcy returned to Bangladesh
Treaty of Friendship
* Shiek Mujib soon after assuming office signed Treaty of Friendship & Peace with India
* Treaty of Friendship & Peace was signed for a period of 25years
* It spoke of Friendship, promise not interfere in each other internal affairs
* In case of aggression against either of the countries both would consult each other
* Not to support a third country when aggression on one another ,not to attack each other
The Trade Agreement
* Short term agreement signed between two countries provided duty free zone upto 16km on both sides of the border
* Trade up to 50 Crore a year ,market access to Bangladesh
Shimla Agreement 1972
* The treaty was signed inShimla,India, byZulfiqar Ali Bhutto, thePrime Minister of Pakistan, andIndira Gandhi, thePrime Minister of India.
* Signed between India & Pakistan to put an end to the conflict and confrontation that have hitherto marred their relations
* Lead to dipomatic recognition of Bangladesh by Pakistan
Delhi Agreement 1973
* On the Repatriation of War and Civilian Internees is a tripartite agreement between India,Pakistan & Bangladesh
* Signed by foreign ministers of respective countries
Assasination of Mujibur Rehaman
* Bangladeshs economy worsened prices sky rocked, Mujib Rehman declared emergency and assumed all powers on himself
* A coup (1975) was staged by army majors & Mujib was killed
* Islamic fundamentalism rose ,Lt. General Zia-ur-Rehman assumed power
* Bangladesh became pro Pakistani,became Islamic Republic when its Parliament passed Amendment bill in 1988 declaring Islam as a State religion
* Lt. General Zia-ur-Rehman ruled till 1981 was killed replaced by civilian President Sattar who again was replaced in a bloodless coup by Lt.Gen.Ershad
* Ershad took Bangladesh more closer to Islamic countries,oil producing countries
* Bangladesh became pro Pakistan and anti India.
The Military Years
* After the death of Mujib Rehaman, ruled till 1981 was the founder of Bangladesh Nationalist Party
* Sheik Hasina was in self exile in India post her Father Mujibs assassination only to return when elected as Leader of the Awami league
* During rule Bangladesh turned pro Islamic and pro China to an extend of China becoming leading arms supplier
* China supplied fifteen F-6 fighter jets and in 1986, they issued sixteen more A-5 fighters.
* Bangladesh did this to counter balance India in the region
* India started aiding Shinti Bahini guerrillas in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, as Bangladesh began to serve as a conduit for arms and a home base for insurgents in Northeast India.
* Zia-ur-Rehman was controversial for supporting pro Pakistani anti liberation leaders who killed Mujibur Rehman
* Following a bloodless coup Lt.Gen.Ershad took the reign,he ruled by martial law
* Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, pressure from western donors for reforms aided in the democratic movement, Ershad resigned following students protest against the regime
Democracy in Bangladesh 1990-2009
* Bangladesh Nationalist Party assumed power led by Khaleda Zia, she followed the policy of earlier military regimes ,Pro Pakistan, China gave safe heaven to terrorists
* The election of Sheik Hasina greatly improved India-Bangladesh relations
Issues Between India & Bangladesh
* Water
Sharing of Ganga waters: Farraka Barrage
* River Ganga originating from Gangotri flows south eastern direction from India and reaches Bangladesh
* River Ganga bifurcates south of Farraka in Murshidabad district of West Bengal
* The water dispute is mainly during the lean season of the Ganges between January and May
* Flow of Ganga reduces to 55000cusecs,Kolkatta Port needs a minimum of 40000cusecs leaving only 15000cusecs for Bangladesh which is insufficient for them
* Studies showed that Kolkatta Port needed minimum of 40000cusecs for its safety.
* The Farraka Barrage was built when Bangladesh was still East Pakistan 1961-71
* In1972 Joint Rivers Commission was setup in accordance with Mujjib - Indira agreement
* Mujib visited India in 1974 which lead to signing of agreement in 1975,India agreed to allow about 80% of water to Bangladesh in 6weeks of the lean period
* After Mujibs assassination Indias attitude changed,as the agreement expired India returned to drawing the normal 40000cusecs
The 1977 Agreement
* This agreement was signed by the new government led by PM Moraji desai & Zia ur Rehman
* Provided partial solution as it spoke of only water release during the lean period only
* It was set such that sharing of water would be regulated every 10 days
* 5 year agreement expired by 1982
* The old agreement was extended between the then PM Indira Gandhi and President Ershad
* The Minimum availability clause of the old agreement was deleted and the sharing of water depended on the availability of water
* The agreement expired by 1988 and s India drew water on adhoc basis
* India suggested a link canal between Bramahaputra & Ganges as the current discharge of water was low to share between the two countries
* Bangladesh refused the offer calling it legally unjustifiable, technically impractical, economically and ecologically disastrous."
New Treaty:
* Bilateral treaty was signed by the Indian Prime minister H. D. Deve Gowda and his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheik Hasina Wajed on 12 December, 1996.
* This treaty established a thirty year water sharing arrangement with guaranteed minimum quantities of water supply for Bangladesh, whose rights as a lower riparian country was recognized.
* The 30 year water sharing treaty envisaged that the water of the Ganges River would be distributed from Farakka for the two countries between 1 January
and 31 May of each year
* India was required to maintain the flow of Farakka at the average level of the previous 40 years
Teesta River Water Dispute:
* The 1983 Teesta River Agreement allows India and Bangladesh to share 75 percent of the river water on a 39 and 36 percent basis.
* The Teesta River floodplain that includes the extreme northwest region of Bangladesh
accounts for 14% of the total cropped area in 2001
* Around 63% of the total cropped area in the region is irrigated laying down a direct link between irrigational water availability and agricultural use.
* The floodplain which is presently considered a dry zone depends on the Trans Boundary River flows between India and Bangladesh
* During Prime Minister Manmohan Singhs visit to Bangladesh in 2011, it was announced that India would share the remaining 25 percent of the river water on a 50:50 basis.
* This met with opposition from West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee as it might affect farmers of her state and the signing was held back
* On 10 February 2013, Indian Foreign Secretary, Ranjan Mathai pledged conclusive obligation over the Teesta ordeal, We are unwavering in our commitment to reach a satisfactory conclusion within the shortest possible timeframe.
* Land Disputes
The New Moore Island Dispute
* New Moore Island covering an area of 2t o12sq.km,depending on rising and receding tide is located in the Bay of Bengal.
* It is 5000meters from Indian coastal point and 7000meters from Bangladesh coastal point
* It was first noticed in 1971,notified to British Admiralty
* West Bengal Govt called it Purbhasha(Hope of East),Bangladesh called it South Talapatty
* In 1980 when Indian flag was hoisted Bangladesh protested calling it a disputed area.
* India had followed the Median Line principle
* This means an equidistant line drawn on plotted points on the sea from the nearest shores of the contending counties.
* Bangladesh even threatened to take it to UN
Indo-Bangladesh land boundary agreement- The Constitution (One Hundred and Nineteenth) Amendment Bill, 2013(THE HINDU dated Aug 13,2013)
* The amendment bill yet to be passed will lead to transfer of land worth 10000acres of land to Bangladesh,these transfers are enclaves.
What is a Enclave?
Geographical Territories of countries lacking geographical contiguity forming parts of one state sometimes results in some parts being surrounded by the territory of another state. Such territories are termed enclaves. E.g Pakistan before 1971 had two discontinuous territories East & West
* The residents of an enclave cannot travel to their home state without crossing international borders and obtaining the necessary permission for the same.
* Governmental agencies of the home state cannot access the enclave without the permission of the state that surrounds the enclave.
* As per the joint verification carried out by the Indian and Bangladeshi governments in April 1997, there are 111 Indian enclaves in Bangladesh and 51 Bangladeshi enclaves in India.
* The residents of these enclaves do not enjoy the same basic amenities that the mainland citizens of their country enjoy, only for practical problems of access.
* By the Land Boundary Agreement of 1974 between the two countries, and the 2011 Protocol to the said Agreement, India and Bangladesh agreed to exchange these small parcels of land and better demarcate the land boundary between them.
* The borders of the Indian States of Assam, West Bengal, Meghalaya and Tripura will be affected by this exchange of territory
Indian-Bangladesh Example
Tin Bigha Corridor:
Source: http://coochbehar.nic.in/htmfiles/tinbigha.html
* Dahagram and Angorpota,the two enclaves of Bangladesh are separated from district Rangpur of Bangladesh by a small patch of an acre of Indian territory called TinBigha.
* The transit of Bangladeshis via Tin Bigha was sought to be settled when Indira Gandhi and Bangladesh President H.M.Ershad signed an agreement in1982.
* It was agreed upon that Tin Bigha would be leased to Bangladesh
* People and security personnel of Bangladesh would have the right to free and unfettered movement and they would not be required to carry travel documents of any kind.
* This didnt happen as this needed a constitutional amendment and was opposed by the opposition
* Trade
Transshipment & Transit
* Transshipment refers to the shipment of goods or containers to an intermediate
destination, and then to yet another destination.
* Transshipment may also refer to the same movement using Bangladeshowned
transport.
* Transshipment has been achieved by India in its relationship with Bangladesh.
* Transit refers to the passage of Indian good across Bangladeshi borders to and
from the North Eastern states of Indian owned surface transport
* Bangladesh, on the 31 May, 2010 signed an agreement to finalize a transshipment
deal with India to allow Indian goods to be transported to Tripura through Bangladeshi territory.
* Goods produced in North east are affected because transport from North east to Kolkatta port is high, hampering trade this can be reduced by agreement with respect to transit from Bangladesh
* The two countries were supposed to sign an agreement in 2011 allowing transit access
to India. With India holding back on the Teesta issue, Bangladesh decided not go forward and sign the agreement.
* Transit access opposed in Bangladesh as it may help India increase its military strength in the North East region indirectly irritating China for helping India
* The only transit currently available is Siliguri corridor also known as Chicken neck is a narrow stretch that connects India to rest of North East
Source:Wikipedia: Red circle -> Siliguri corridor
Trade
* Weak economic ties has been one of the irritants in India Bangladesh relationship
* The trade deficit on the Bangladeshi side has been increasing on average 9% annually
Trade deficits stem from both trade and non trade barriers
Trade barriers
* Imposition of state tax
* Antidumping (AD)
* Countervailing duties
Non trade Barriers
* Laboratory tests in Bangladesh, especially for food products, cosmetics, and leather and textiles products.
* Packaging requirements
* Inadequate infrastructure facilities such as warehousing
* Illegal & Informal trade from India to Bangladesh has been a irritant as it leads to loss of customs duty
Illegal Immigration
* Bangladeshis enter India illegally because of poor economic conditions in Bangladesh
* Bangladesh is huge labour surplus country thus making India a pull factor
* There has been views that Bangladesh promoting lebensraum(expanded living space or habitat) which has led to such large presence of Bangladeshis especially in the border region.
* Migration has lead to Human trafficking ,flesh trade in the country
Indian Response
* Steps to identify these illegal migrants were taken under the Foreigners Act, 1946 and under the Illegal Migrants Determination byT ribunal (IMDT) Act, 1983 of Assam.
* IMDT act was struck down by Supreme Court
* These have provided little result due to ethnic, linguistic, cultural, physical and social similarities, Bangladeshi nationals tend to merge easily with the local population making it difficult to identify them.
Fencing
* Continuous illegal migration prompted India to fence its international borders with Bangladesh.
* Initially this project was meant to be completed by 1997 but the work has not moved along as planned.
* Out of the total length of 3,436.59 km to be fenced, so far fencing of 2,735.12 km has been completed
* Conclusion
* The Future of India-Bangladesh relations depends on the soon to be held election in Bangladesh which is between Sheik Hasina(Incumbent PM) lead Awami league and Khaleda Zia of Bangladesh Nationalist Party
* Sheik Hasina eldest daughter of Mujibir Rehman, founding father of Bangladesh-Pro India
* Khaleda Zia wife of Zia ur Rehman who founded the Bangladesh Nationalist Party-Pro Islamic-Pro Pakistani
by Aditya Ravichandran
Sources
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-newdelhi/reconfiguring-bangladeshindia-relations/article4549430.ece
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/future-of-indiabangladesh-relations/article77850.ece
http://www.ficci.com/spdocument/20184/StatusPaperonIndiaBangladesh.pdf
http://idcr.cprindia.org/p/blog-page_6630.html
http://thediplomat.com/the-pulse/2013/09/03/the-india-bangladesh-land-swap-deal/
http://www.aspenindia.org/pdf/India_Bangladesh_Report.pdf
http://www.ipcs.org/pdf_file/issue/SR97.pdf
http://idsa.in/idsastrategiccomments/KhaledasPakistanvisitShiftsFocustoEconomicSynergy_SDatta_270206
http://idsa.in/idsastrategiccomments/UnholyallianceinNorthEastIndia_MASingh_190209
http://idsa.in/idsastrategiccomments/34thAnniversaryofBangladeshLiberation_CUBhaskar_141205
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/indias-secret-war-in-bangladesh/article2747538.ece
501596614
http://www.economist.com/news/books-and-arts/21586514-new-history-sheds-fresh-light-shameful-moment-american-foreign-policy-blood
http://www.amibangladeshi.org/A_Nation_Is_Born
http://www.ipcs.org/article/india/teesta-water-accord-expectations-for-indo-bangladesh-water-diplomacy-3825.html
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/a-settlement-long-overdue/article5016349.ece
http://invitetobd.blogspot.in/2012/01/tin-bigha-corridor.html
wikipedia
Books
India S Neighbourhood Challenges in the Next Two Decades-Idsa
Handbook of Indias International Relations- Edited by David Scott-Routledge International
Foreign Policy of India. V N Khanna
Note
My last article was on India-Afghanistan Relations.I intend to follow this up with other Neighouring countries of India, do suggest ways to improvement my writing skills.
If you find the piece worth publishing in your website please do it.
Birth of Bangladesh:
* Bangladesh was born out of Bangladesh liberation war of 1971 followed by India entering the war known as Indo-Pakistan war of 1971
Bangladesh war of Liberation:
Causes:
* When India & Pakistan got independence, Pakistan had two parts namely East Pakistan & West Pakistan
* The Liberation mainly happened due to the step motherly treatment meted towards East Pakistan
* West Pakistan had four provinces: Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and the North-West Frontier. The fifth province was East Pakistan
* East Pakistan made 70% of Pakistans exports yet was provided only 25% of the imported money
* East Pakistan had the highest population of all the 5 provinces yet had very less political power when compared to west
* In 1948 Muhammad Ali Jinnah stated the official language of Pakistan was Urdu there was resentment among East Pakistanis as they spoke Bangla,they disagreed.
* This lead to protests in East Pakistan on 21 February 1952 7 students were killed in fierce protest
* 21 February since then is observed each year to emphasize the importance of the Bengali language.
* February 21st is now recognized as the International Mother Language Day by the United Nations
* Cyclone Bhola hit east Pakistan in 1971 killing 5 lakh people the Pakistani Govt. did not provide enough relief adding more misery
Immediate Causes
* The Awami League, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, won a landslide victory in the national elections in 1971 and demanded autonomy for East Pakistan.
* This victory gave it the right to form a government, but Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party refused to let the Sheikh become the Prime Minister of Pakistan.
* The war broke out when Pakistani Army launched Operation Searchlight which was to kill anybody who supported the claim of accepting the democratic elections that gave Awami clear majority
* In response East Pakistan declared Independence, Bengali military, paramilitary and civilians formed the Mukti Bahini, which engaged in guerrilla warfareagainst Pakistani forces.
* The wide spread atrocities by Pakistani Army lead to refugees entering India, The East Pakistan-India border was opened to allowrefugeessafe shelter in India
* The then PM Indira Gandhi appealed to international community with no proper response.
* Indian intelligence trained the Mukti Bahini
* On 9 August 1971, India signed atwenty-year co-operation treatywith the Soviet Union which promised military support to nation on being attacked
* To the Pakistani leadership this seemed to be a plan by India to go on war with Pakistan
* Operation Chengis Khan was launched on India, Pakistan Air force attacked forward air bases of India.
* The then PM Indira Gandhi declared war on Pakistan & thus India entered the war on December 3,1971 ended on 16, December 1971 liberating East Pakistan the future Bangladesh .
* War ended in 13 days one of the shortest in history
* China & USA were one of the last countries to recognize Bangladesh
What followed?
* Soon after Bangladesh was recognized Indira Gandhi signed treaty with Acting president Nazrul Islam according to which India would leave Bangladesh as soon as normalcy returned to Bangladesh
Treaty of Friendship
* Shiek Mujib soon after assuming office signed Treaty of Friendship & Peace with India
* Treaty of Friendship & Peace was signed for a period of 25years
* It spoke of Friendship, promise not interfere in each other internal affairs
* In case of aggression against either of the countries both would consult each other
* Not to support a third country when aggression on one another ,not to attack each other
The Trade Agreement
* Short term agreement signed between two countries provided duty free zone upto 16km on both sides of the border
* Trade up to 50 Crore a year ,market access to Bangladesh
Shimla Agreement 1972
* The treaty was signed inShimla,India, byZulfiqar Ali Bhutto, thePrime Minister of Pakistan, andIndira Gandhi, thePrime Minister of India.
* Signed between India & Pakistan to put an end to the conflict and confrontation that have hitherto marred their relations
* Lead to dipomatic recognition of Bangladesh by Pakistan
Delhi Agreement 1973
* On the Repatriation of War and Civilian Internees is a tripartite agreement between India,Pakistan & Bangladesh
* Signed by foreign ministers of respective countries
Assasination of Mujibur Rehaman
* Bangladeshs economy worsened prices sky rocked, Mujib Rehman declared emergency and assumed all powers on himself
* A coup (1975) was staged by army majors & Mujib was killed
* Islamic fundamentalism rose ,Lt. General Zia-ur-Rehman assumed power
* Bangladesh became pro Pakistani,became Islamic Republic when its Parliament passed Amendment bill in 1988 declaring Islam as a State religion
* Lt. General Zia-ur-Rehman ruled till 1981 was killed replaced by civilian President Sattar who again was replaced in a bloodless coup by Lt.Gen.Ershad
* Ershad took Bangladesh more closer to Islamic countries,oil producing countries
* Bangladesh became pro Pakistan and anti India.
The Military Years
* After the death of Mujib Rehaman, ruled till 1981 was the founder of Bangladesh Nationalist Party
* Sheik Hasina was in self exile in India post her Father Mujibs assassination only to return when elected as Leader of the Awami league
* During rule Bangladesh turned pro Islamic and pro China to an extend of China becoming leading arms supplier
* China supplied fifteen F-6 fighter jets and in 1986, they issued sixteen more A-5 fighters.
* Bangladesh did this to counter balance India in the region
* India started aiding Shinti Bahini guerrillas in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, as Bangladesh began to serve as a conduit for arms and a home base for insurgents in Northeast India.
* Zia-ur-Rehman was controversial for supporting pro Pakistani anti liberation leaders who killed Mujibur Rehman
* Following a bloodless coup Lt.Gen.Ershad took the reign,he ruled by martial law
* Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, pressure from western donors for reforms aided in the democratic movement, Ershad resigned following students protest against the regime
Democracy in Bangladesh 1990-2009
* Bangladesh Nationalist Party assumed power led by Khaleda Zia, she followed the policy of earlier military regimes ,Pro Pakistan, China gave safe heaven to terrorists
* The election of Sheik Hasina greatly improved India-Bangladesh relations
Issues Between India & Bangladesh
* Water
Sharing of Ganga waters: Farraka Barrage
* River Ganga originating from Gangotri flows south eastern direction from India and reaches Bangladesh
* River Ganga bifurcates south of Farraka in Murshidabad district of West Bengal
* The water dispute is mainly during the lean season of the Ganges between January and May
* Flow of Ganga reduces to 55000cusecs,Kolkatta Port needs a minimum of 40000cusecs leaving only 15000cusecs for Bangladesh which is insufficient for them
* Studies showed that Kolkatta Port needed minimum of 40000cusecs for its safety.
* The Farraka Barrage was built when Bangladesh was still East Pakistan 1961-71
* In1972 Joint Rivers Commission was setup in accordance with Mujjib - Indira agreement
* Mujib visited India in 1974 which lead to signing of agreement in 1975,India agreed to allow about 80% of water to Bangladesh in 6weeks of the lean period
* After Mujibs assassination Indias attitude changed,as the agreement expired India returned to drawing the normal 40000cusecs
The 1977 Agreement
* This agreement was signed by the new government led by PM Moraji desai & Zia ur Rehman
* Provided partial solution as it spoke of only water release during the lean period only
* It was set such that sharing of water would be regulated every 10 days
* 5 year agreement expired by 1982
* The old agreement was extended between the then PM Indira Gandhi and President Ershad
* The Minimum availability clause of the old agreement was deleted and the sharing of water depended on the availability of water
* The agreement expired by 1988 and s India drew water on adhoc basis
* India suggested a link canal between Bramahaputra & Ganges as the current discharge of water was low to share between the two countries
* Bangladesh refused the offer calling it legally unjustifiable, technically impractical, economically and ecologically disastrous."
New Treaty:
* Bilateral treaty was signed by the Indian Prime minister H. D. Deve Gowda and his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheik Hasina Wajed on 12 December, 1996.
* This treaty established a thirty year water sharing arrangement with guaranteed minimum quantities of water supply for Bangladesh, whose rights as a lower riparian country was recognized.
* The 30 year water sharing treaty envisaged that the water of the Ganges River would be distributed from Farakka for the two countries between 1 January
and 31 May of each year
* India was required to maintain the flow of Farakka at the average level of the previous 40 years
Teesta River Water Dispute:
* The 1983 Teesta River Agreement allows India and Bangladesh to share 75 percent of the river water on a 39 and 36 percent basis.
* The Teesta River floodplain that includes the extreme northwest region of Bangladesh
accounts for 14% of the total cropped area in 2001
* Around 63% of the total cropped area in the region is irrigated laying down a direct link between irrigational water availability and agricultural use.
* The floodplain which is presently considered a dry zone depends on the Trans Boundary River flows between India and Bangladesh
* During Prime Minister Manmohan Singhs visit to Bangladesh in 2011, it was announced that India would share the remaining 25 percent of the river water on a 50:50 basis.
* This met with opposition from West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee as it might affect farmers of her state and the signing was held back
* On 10 February 2013, Indian Foreign Secretary, Ranjan Mathai pledged conclusive obligation over the Teesta ordeal, We are unwavering in our commitment to reach a satisfactory conclusion within the shortest possible timeframe.
* Land Disputes
The New Moore Island Dispute
* New Moore Island covering an area of 2t o12sq.km,depending on rising and receding tide is located in the Bay of Bengal.
* It is 5000meters from Indian coastal point and 7000meters from Bangladesh coastal point
* It was first noticed in 1971,notified to British Admiralty
* West Bengal Govt called it Purbhasha(Hope of East),Bangladesh called it South Talapatty
* In 1980 when Indian flag was hoisted Bangladesh protested calling it a disputed area.
* India had followed the Median Line principle
* This means an equidistant line drawn on plotted points on the sea from the nearest shores of the contending counties.
* Bangladesh even threatened to take it to UN
Indo-Bangladesh land boundary agreement- The Constitution (One Hundred and Nineteenth) Amendment Bill, 2013(THE HINDU dated Aug 13,2013)
* The amendment bill yet to be passed will lead to transfer of land worth 10000acres of land to Bangladesh,these transfers are enclaves.
What is a Enclave?
Geographical Territories of countries lacking geographical contiguity forming parts of one state sometimes results in some parts being surrounded by the territory of another state. Such territories are termed enclaves. E.g Pakistan before 1971 had two discontinuous territories East & West
* The residents of an enclave cannot travel to their home state without crossing international borders and obtaining the necessary permission for the same.
* Governmental agencies of the home state cannot access the enclave without the permission of the state that surrounds the enclave.
* As per the joint verification carried out by the Indian and Bangladeshi governments in April 1997, there are 111 Indian enclaves in Bangladesh and 51 Bangladeshi enclaves in India.
* The residents of these enclaves do not enjoy the same basic amenities that the mainland citizens of their country enjoy, only for practical problems of access.
* By the Land Boundary Agreement of 1974 between the two countries, and the 2011 Protocol to the said Agreement, India and Bangladesh agreed to exchange these small parcels of land and better demarcate the land boundary between them.
* The borders of the Indian States of Assam, West Bengal, Meghalaya and Tripura will be affected by this exchange of territory
Indian-Bangladesh Example
Tin Bigha Corridor:
Source: http://coochbehar.nic.in/htmfiles/tinbigha.html
* Dahagram and Angorpota,the two enclaves of Bangladesh are separated from district Rangpur of Bangladesh by a small patch of an acre of Indian territory called TinBigha.
* The transit of Bangladeshis via Tin Bigha was sought to be settled when Indira Gandhi and Bangladesh President H.M.Ershad signed an agreement in1982.
* It was agreed upon that Tin Bigha would be leased to Bangladesh
* People and security personnel of Bangladesh would have the right to free and unfettered movement and they would not be required to carry travel documents of any kind.
* This didnt happen as this needed a constitutional amendment and was opposed by the opposition
* Trade
Transshipment & Transit
* Transshipment refers to the shipment of goods or containers to an intermediate
destination, and then to yet another destination.
* Transshipment may also refer to the same movement using Bangladeshowned
transport.
* Transshipment has been achieved by India in its relationship with Bangladesh.
* Transit refers to the passage of Indian good across Bangladeshi borders to and
from the North Eastern states of Indian owned surface transport
* Bangladesh, on the 31 May, 2010 signed an agreement to finalize a transshipment
deal with India to allow Indian goods to be transported to Tripura through Bangladeshi territory.
* Goods produced in North east are affected because transport from North east to Kolkatta port is high, hampering trade this can be reduced by agreement with respect to transit from Bangladesh
* The two countries were supposed to sign an agreement in 2011 allowing transit access
to India. With India holding back on the Teesta issue, Bangladesh decided not go forward and sign the agreement.
* Transit access opposed in Bangladesh as it may help India increase its military strength in the North East region indirectly irritating China for helping India
* The only transit currently available is Siliguri corridor also known as Chicken neck is a narrow stretch that connects India to rest of North East
Source:Wikipedia: Red circle -> Siliguri corridor
Trade
* Weak economic ties has been one of the irritants in India Bangladesh relationship
* The trade deficit on the Bangladeshi side has been increasing on average 9% annually
Trade deficits stem from both trade and non trade barriers
Trade barriers
* Imposition of state tax
* Antidumping (AD)
* Countervailing duties
Non trade Barriers
* Laboratory tests in Bangladesh, especially for food products, cosmetics, and leather and textiles products.
* Packaging requirements
* Inadequate infrastructure facilities such as warehousing
* Illegal & Informal trade from India to Bangladesh has been a irritant as it leads to loss of customs duty
Illegal Immigration
* Bangladeshis enter India illegally because of poor economic conditions in Bangladesh
* Bangladesh is huge labour surplus country thus making India a pull factor
* There has been views that Bangladesh promoting lebensraum(expanded living space or habitat) which has led to such large presence of Bangladeshis especially in the border region.
* Migration has lead to Human trafficking ,flesh trade in the country
Indian Response
* Steps to identify these illegal migrants were taken under the Foreigners Act, 1946 and under the Illegal Migrants Determination byT ribunal (IMDT) Act, 1983 of Assam.
* IMDT act was struck down by Supreme Court
* These have provided little result due to ethnic, linguistic, cultural, physical and social similarities, Bangladeshi nationals tend to merge easily with the local population making it difficult to identify them.
Fencing
* Continuous illegal migration prompted India to fence its international borders with Bangladesh.
* Initially this project was meant to be completed by 1997 but the work has not moved along as planned.
* Out of the total length of 3,436.59 km to be fenced, so far fencing of 2,735.12 km has been completed
* Conclusion
* The Future of India-Bangladesh relations depends on the soon to be held election in Bangladesh which is between Sheik Hasina(Incumbent PM) lead Awami league and Khaleda Zia of Bangladesh Nationalist Party
* Sheik Hasina eldest daughter of Mujibir Rehman, founding father of Bangladesh-Pro India
* Khaleda Zia wife of Zia ur Rehman who founded the Bangladesh Nationalist Party-Pro Islamic-Pro Pakistani
by Aditya Ravichandran
Sources
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-newdelhi/reconfiguring-bangladeshindia-relations/article4549430.ece
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/future-of-indiabangladesh-relations/article77850.ece
http://www.ficci.com/spdocument/20184/StatusPaperonIndiaBangladesh.pdf
http://idcr.cprindia.org/p/blog-page_6630.html
http://thediplomat.com/the-pulse/2013/09/03/the-india-bangladesh-land-swap-deal/
http://www.aspenindia.org/pdf/India_Bangladesh_Report.pdf
http://www.ipcs.org/pdf_file/issue/SR97.pdf
http://idsa.in/idsastrategiccomments/KhaledasPakistanvisitShiftsFocustoEconomicSynergy_SDatta_270206
http://idsa.in/idsastrategiccomments/UnholyallianceinNorthEastIndia_MASingh_190209
http://idsa.in/idsastrategiccomments/34thAnniversaryofBangladeshLiberation_CUBhaskar_141205
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/indias-secret-war-in-bangladesh/article2747538.ece
501596614
http://www.economist.com/news/books-and-arts/21586514-new-history-sheds-fresh-light-shameful-moment-american-foreign-policy-blood
http://www.amibangladeshi.org/A_Nation_Is_Born
http://www.ipcs.org/article/india/teesta-water-accord-expectations-for-indo-bangladesh-water-diplomacy-3825.html
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/a-settlement-long-overdue/article5016349.ece
http://invitetobd.blogspot.in/2012/01/tin-bigha-corridor.html
wikipedia
Books
India S Neighbourhood Challenges in the Next Two Decades-Idsa
Handbook of Indias International Relations- Edited by David Scott-Routledge International
Foreign Policy of India. V N Khanna
Note
My last article was on India-Afghanistan Relations.I intend to follow this up with other Neighouring countries of India, do suggest ways to improvement my writing skills.
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