India, B'desh seal border agreements

NEW DELHI, Wednesday (AFP) India and Bangladesh agreed to several measures aimed at easing tensions along their border, which is the scene of frequent bloody clashes between security forces from the two countries, officials said.

The two sides decided after marathon talks to restart meetings of a boundary working group from August, as well as increase joint patrolling of waterways along the border, which has been a constant source of tension since Bangladesh's creation in 1971.

The two countries share a 4,000-kilometre (2,500-mile) border of which only 20 percent is fenced, and India accuses Bangladesh of pushing illegal Bangladeshi immigrants into India.

India estimates there are three million illegal Bangladeshis in the country. Indian intelligence officials also say that top rebel leaders from groups in its northeast are holed up in Bangladesh, a charge denied by Dhaka.

Border tensions frequently erupt in armed clashes between guards on both sides that have left scores dead over the past few years. Regional security also was at the top of the agenda Tuesday, Indian officials said, with New Delhi seeking an extradition treaty with its neighbour.

"Bangladesh briefed us on recent operation against Indian insurgent groups and other criminal groups.We welcomed this and requested them to share details of those killed and apprehended," the officials said.

Meeting participants also finalised a draft trade deal and an investment protection agreement, as well as proposed three new bus routes between the two countries, officials said.