New Delhi [India]: The Director General (DG)-level talks between India’s Border Security Force (BSF) and Bangladesh’s Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) are scheduled to take place in New Delhi from February 17 to 20, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Wednesday.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the discussions would focus on key border-related issues, highlighting the importance of upholding mutually agreed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements.
“The DG-level talks between BSF and BGB are scheduled from February 17 to 20, 2025, in New Delhi, during which all border-related issues will be discussed. We expect all mutually agreed MoUs and agreements to be honoured. These serve as the foundation for structured engagements between the border guarding forces of the two nations and facilitate the creation of mutually beneficial security and trade infrastructure along the border,” Jaiswal said during a weekly press briefing.
Recent Border Coordination Meeting
Prior to the upcoming DG-level discussions, BSF and BGB officials convened a sector commander-level meeting on January 22 at the Sonamasjid border outpost in Bangladesh. The meeting aimed at strengthening peace and cooperation along the Indo-Bangladesh border, according to the BSF South Bengal Frontier.
The session was led by BSF Malda Sector Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Tarun Kumar Gautam and BGB Rajshahi Sector Commander Colonel Mohammad Imran Ibne Rouf. Battalion commanders and staff officers from both forces also participated in the dialogue.
India Expresses Concern Over Crisis in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
Meanwhile, the MEA also addressed the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where a significant Indian community resides.
According to Jaiswal, approximately 25,000 Indian nationals live in the DRC, with about 1,000 residing in the conflict-affected city of Goma. Many have since moved to safer locations following advisories from the Indian Embassy.
“In the Democratic Republic of Congo, conflict continues in several cities. Around 25,000 Indian citizens live in the country, including approximately 1,000 in Goma. Most of them have now relocated to safer places. Our Embassy has issued advisories and provided helpline numbers for immediate assistance,” Jaiswal stated.
The DRC government has vowed a “vigorous” military response against Rwandan-backed M23 rebels, who have gained control over major parts of the region, including Goma. President Felix Tshisekedi declared a coordinated response against the rebel forces and their sponsors, as reported by Al Jazeera.
The situation in the mineral-rich eastern DRC remains tense as the conflict escalates, raising concerns about regional stability and the safety of foreign nationals.