India mulls crocodiles, snakes on BD border

India is examining a proposal to deploy crocodiles and snakes in riverine stretches along its border with Bangladesh as part of efforts to strengthen security in difficult terrain, according to Indian media reports.

The proposal comes at a time of heightened tensions and recurring incidents along the sensitive frontier.

A report by The Federal said India’s Border Security Force (BSF) has been asked to assess the feasibility of using reptiles as natural deterrents in areas where physical fencing is not possible, following a directive linked to Home Minister Amit Shah.

According to the report, a communication sent on 26 March to BSF’s Eastern and North-Eastern sector headquarters requested officials to evaluate whether crocodiles or snakes could be introduced in river channels, marshlands and hilly streams that remain unfenced.

India shares a 4,096.7-kilometre border with Bangladesh, much of which runs through rivers, wetlands and difficult terrain where barbed-wire fencing is challenging.

Officials estimate that nearly 850 kilometres of the border remain unfenced, including about 175 kilometres of riverine areas.

The idea reflects the operational challenges faced by border forces in monitoring remote and waterlogged regions.

With around 265,000 personnel, the BSF is responsible for guarding extensive stretches of border while also being deployed for internal security and election duties.

Officials acknowledge that manpower shortages, ageing personnel and physically demanding terrain have created surveillance gaps, prompting consideration of unconventional supplementary measures.

A New Delhi-based security analyst quoted in Indian media said the proposal highlights the seriousness of operational challenges but cautioned that environmental and humanitarian implications must be carefully considered.

The concept has drawn comparisons to ancient defensive strategies where dangerous animals were used in moats to protect fortresses, as well as remarks made in 2018 by former US President Donald Trump about using alligators along the US-Mexico border, a proposal that was never implemented.

The development comes amid ongoing strain along the Bangladesh-India border, marked by reports of cross-border killings, alleged push-in incidents and friction between border forces.

Bangladeshi human rights organisations have repeatedly raised concerns over the use of force by Indian border guards, while Indian authorities maintain that their personnel respond to illegal crossings and smuggling activities.

Observers say the consideration of such measures could further harden the border environment and risk deepening mistrust between the two neighbouring countries at a sensitive political moment.

India is also pursuing a broader border modernisation programme, including an “e-border” system featuring electronic surveillance, sensors and smart monitoring technologies.

However, officials say these systems remain less effective in riverine and marshland areas, leading to the exploration of alternative measures.

Experts warn that the deliberate use of wildlife for border security could raise environmental, legal and ethical concerns and may attract international scrutiny, potentially complicating diplomatic relations.

There has been no official confirmation from Indian authorities on whether the proposal will be implemented. Analysts say, however, that even considering such an option reflects a shift towards unconventional border management strategies.

The issue comes at a time when both countries are seeking to stabilise relations following a period of political transition in Bangladesh and tensions along the border.

Observers note that the border has long been a sensitive issue in bilateral ties, particularly in relation to security incidents and migration concerns.

Amid this backdrop, Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman is scheduled to visit New Delhi on 7-8 April after a prolonged period of diplomatic stagnation.

Analysts in both countries view the visit as an important step towards rebuilding dialogue and restoring confidence in bilateral relations.

The planned visit is being interpreted as an early sign of a more pragmatic foreign policy approach aimed at improving ties with India while safeguarding national interests.

Officials have indicated that Dhaka intends to pursue a “Bangladesh First” foreign policy while maintaining constructive engagement with its largest neighbour.

Analysts caution that while the reptile deployment proposal remains under review, any aggressive or symbolic measure along the border could further complicate relations at a time when both sides are working to rebuild trust and strengthen diplomatic engagement.