India-Bangladesh Relations: The Fishermen Issue and Maritime Boundary
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: International Relations (India and its neighborhood), Geography (Bay of Bengal, Ports), International Law (Permanent Court of Arbitration).
Mains:
GS Paper 2: India and its neighborhood- relations; Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
GS Paper 3: Security challenges and their management in border areas.
Key Highlights from the News
Bangladeshi authorities detained 34 Indian fishermen along with two boats.
The incident occurred near Mongla port in Bangladesh.
In the context of recent political changes in Bangladesh, diplomats see this as a sign of "misunderstanding" between India and Bangladesh.
In 2014, the maritime boundary dispute between the two countries was resolved by the ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague.
However, since there are no visible markers in the sea, fishermen often inadvertently cross the border.
Previously, in such instances, fishermen were quickly released under an "unwritten understanding". Now, Bangladesh is strictly enforcing the law, which is causing cracks in relations.
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