Delhi expects cooperative approach to combat cross-border crimes: MEA

India has expressed hope that Bangladesh will implement all earlier understandings between the two countries and that there will be a cooperative approach to combat cross-border crimes.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) conveyed its expectation as it summoned Bangladesh’s acting high commissioner to India Md Nural Islam at the South Block on Monday.

This development came a day after Bangladesh summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma and conveyed deep concern during a meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka over the recent activities of the Border Security Force (BSF) of India along the Bangladesh-India border.

The MEA in a press release said, “It was conveyed that with regard to security measures at the border, including on fencing, India observed all protocols and agreements between the two governments and between the Border Security Force and Border Guard Bangladesh.” 

India reiterated its commitment to ensure a crime-free border by effectively addressing the challenges of cross-border criminal activities, smuggling, movement of criminals and trafficking, it said.

“Barbed wire fencing, border lighting, installation of technical devices and cattle fences are measures for securing the border.”

On Sunday, Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin called upon the government of India to advise all the authorities concerned in India to refrain from “any provocative actions” that could escalate tensions along the shared border.