Q. 369 Exchanging of maps with Bangladesh

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to satate :-

(a) whether it is a fact that Government has exchanged in the recent past maps with Bangladesh with a view to ceding of Indian territories to Bangladesh;
(b) if so, the details thereof indicating the features of treaty, if any, already entered with Bangladesh in this regard;
(c) the details of procedures, if any, pursued by Government including whether consultations with representatives of Indian citizens residing in the territories envisaged to be ceded, which culminated into drawing of the maps prior to swapping the same with Bangladesh; and
(d) if not, the justification therefor?

ANSWER: THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI E. AHAMED)

(a) to (d) A Protocol to the Agreement Concerning the Demarcation of the Land Boundary between India and Bangladesh and Related Matters, 1974, was signed on September 06, 2011 during the visit of the Prime Minister to Bangladesh. The Protocol addresses the outstanding land boundary issues pertaining to the un-demarcated land boundary, exchange of enclaves and territories in adverse possession. It is subject to ratification by the Governments of the two countries and shall enter into force on the date of exchange of Instruments of Ratification. The implementation of the Protocol will result in the exchange of 111 Indian enclaves in Bangladesh with 51 Bangladesh enclaves in India and preserve status quo on territories in adverse possession.

The Protocol is based on the situation on the ground, takes into account the wishes of the people residing in the areas involved and was prepared in close consultation with the State Governments concerned.

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