The India-Bangladesh land boundary agreement of 1974 is a significant milestone in the relationship between the two neighboring countries. The agreement resolved a long-standing border dispute, which had been a contentious issue since India and Pakistan were partitioned in 1947. Bangladesh (then East Pakistan) gained independence from Pakistan in 1971, and the two countries were left to resolve the border issue.
The India-Bangladesh land boundary agreement of 1974 demarcated the border between the two countries, with India ceding control of 111 enclaves located within Bangladesh, while Bangladesh ceded control of 51 enclaves located within Indian territory. The agreement also provided for the exchange of enclaves, which meant that residents of enclaves on both sides of the border were given the option to move to their respective countries.
The land boundary agreement of 1974 was a significant step towards improving relations between India and Bangladesh, which had been strained since the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. The agreement was also a significant victory for India, which had been embroiled in border disputes with China and Pakistan. The resolution of the India-Bangladesh border dispute was seen as a significant achievement for the Indian government, which had been pushing for an amicable settlement to the issue.
The land boundary agreement of 1974 was not without its challenges, however. The implementation of the agreement was hampered by factors like bureaucratic delays, resistance from local officials and politicians, and the lack of a comprehensive plan for the settlement of enclaves. Nevertheless, the two countries continued to work towards resolving the issues and implementing the agreement.
In 2015, the two countries signed a historic deal to exchange more than 160 enclaves, putting an end to a complex border issue that had plagued the region for decades. The deal was hailed as a significant step towards regional stability and improving relations between the two countries.
In conclusion, the India-Bangladesh land boundary agreement of 1974 was a significant milestone in the relationship between the two countries. The resolution of the border dispute was a significant achievement for both countries, and paved the way for further cooperation and collaboration in the years to come. While the implementation of the agreement was not without its challenges, the two countries continued to work towards resolving the issues, which ultimately led to a successful conclusion of the border dispute.