India Should Respond Humanely and Ethically to Bangladesh Crisis

Newsreel Asia Insight #308
August 13, 2024

India’s policy on asylum seekers who are escaping political turmoil or persecution, particularly in light of the current unrest at the India-Bangladesh border, needs to be thoughtfully and carefully considered. The ongoing humanitarian crisis, which sees numerous Hindus and other minorities fleeing violence in Bangladesh, not only demands a thorough legal and geopolitical evaluation but also calls for a strong humanitarian and ethical response to help those in dire need.

India has arrested nearly a dozen Bangladeshis attempting to cross into West Bengal to escape the unrest and violence following the ouster of Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, according to the Border Security Force (BSF). Following Hasina’s resignation, which ended her 15-year rule on Aug. 5, there have been widespread attacks against Hindus and Christians, as well as Muslim minorities. Hundreds more Bangladeshis are currently waiting at the frontier, seeking permission to enter India, with many still in no-man’s land, according to BSF deputy inspector general Amit Kumar Tyagi, as reported by AFP.

Although India is not a party to the 1951 Refugee Convention, its participation in other international treaties like the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) implies a commitment to uphold the basic rights and dignity of all individuals. By taking a more active role in providing asylum, India would set a precedent for non-signatory countries in managing refugee crises under a framework of international human rights law.

Establishing a formal refugee policy, which India currently lacks despite hosting a considerable number of refugees, would help the country more clearly articulate its commitments. This would provide a legal foundation for its actions and ensure they align with international norms.

The decision to accept refugees has far-reaching implications for India’s regional relationships and its position as a leader in South Asia. Offering refuge to persecuted minorities from neighbouring countries can be viewed as a strategic move to maintain regional stability. This would also serve as a diplomatic lever in India’s relations with Bangladesh, potentially facilitating more cooperative discussions on bilateral security and migration issues. Moreover, it strengthens India’s role in regional forums such as SAARC and BIMSTEC.

Especially in the context of its competition with China for regional influence, India has an opportunity to strengthen its diplomatic ties within the region. This gesture can counter China’s growing influence.

Beyond the legal and strategic imperatives, there is an ethical dimension to New Delhi’s potential response. The plight of Hindu and (fewer) Christian refugees, linked by cultural and religious ties to India, presents a unique moral obligation. Providing sanctuary will also enhance India’s image in light of various reports from the international community, including the European Union and the United States, suggesting that India needs to improve its human rights record.

From a practical perspective, integrating refugees can have positive economic implications. Refugees bring diverse skills and, when adequately integrated, contribute to the host economy. Historically, diasporas have fostered trade links and cultural exchanges that benefit both their home and host countries. By developing inclusive policies that facilitate refugee integration into the workforce, India could harness these benefits, turning a humanitarian response into an economic opportunity.

Germany provides a notable example of a country that has benefited from accepting refugees, particularly during the refugee crisis starting in 2015, when it opened its borders to a large influx of refugees, primarily from Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq.

Post-2015, Germany faced significant demographic challenges, including an aging population and a shrinking workforce. The arrival of refugees provided a partial solution to these issues. Many of the newcomers were young and able-bodied, eager to work and integrate. As they entered the labour market, they helped fill gaps in various sectors, from agriculture to information technology, boosting economic productivity. Over time, as integration policies took effect and refugees gained language skills and training, their contribution to the economy grew.

While there were initial concerns about security and social stability, Germany implemented comprehensive integration and security strategies. The focus on rapid integration into the labour market, coupled with community-based policing and security measures, mitigated potential risks and contributed to overall stability.