The Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP) is delighted to invite you to a panel discussion to launch our recent publication titled, Linking Land Borders: India’s Integrated Check Posts. This paper is a part of our Sambandh Initiative on Regional Connectivity, and it is authored by our Research Associate, Riya Sinha.

The Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) along India’s land borders play an essential role in facilitating regional connectivity in South Asia. Ideated in the early 2000s and operationalised since 2012, ICPs are entry and exit points on India’s land borders that house various agencies, such as customs, immigration, and border security, within a single facilitation zone. Currently, approximately 40% of India’s land-based trade with its neighbours takes place through six key ICPs located on the borders with Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.

The paper provides a detailed and comprehensive assessment of the role of ICPs in facilitating regional integration in South Asia. Based on new data, fieldwork and interviews, the paper delves into a deep-dive analysis of ICPs and their formation, highlighting their various challenges and providing policy recommendations to enhance their efficacy. The importance of this connectivity infrastructure is further strengthened as India seeks to improve connectivity between South Asia and Southeast Asia. In this context, the paper highlights that India’s ICPs should be aligned with other regional connectivity initiatives to complement existing and envisaged economic corridors and supply chain routes.

Agenda

5:00 pm    Welcome address by Rakesh Mohan, President and Distinguished Fellow, CSEP

5:05 pm    Special address by Aditya Mishra, Chairman, Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI)

5:15 pm    Paper presentation by Riya Sinha, Research Associate, CSEP

5:20 pm    Discussion with panellists:

Vikram Doraiswami, High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh

Nisha Taneja, Professor, Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER)

Pritam Banerjee, Logistics Sector Specialist Consultant, Asian Development Bank (ADB)

Riya Sinha, Research Associate, CSEP

Moderator Constantino Xavier, Fellow, CSEP

6:00 pm    Q&A

6:10 pm    Vote of thanks

Please register in advance using this link: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/2016243599587/WN_2oIq-yFXQ0C5YZYJpcyaog

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with details about joining the webinar.

During the discussion, you will be able to submit your questions via the Q&A chatbox on Zoom. Alternatively, you can also share your questions with us in advance by emailing Nitika Nayar, at nnayar@csep.org.

All content reflects the individual views of the speakers. The Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP) does not hold an institutional view on any subject.