Indian media has raised alarms over the increasing military cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh, with reports suggesting that such developments could pose strategic challenges for India. The Indian news website *Firstpost* highlighted in a recent report that “the return of the Pakistani military to Bangladesh for the first time since 1971 is a cause for concern for India.” Over the past few days, Indian media outlets have been actively analyzing and reporting on the deepening military ties between the two nations.
Indian sources have claimed that a delegation from Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) recently visited Bangladesh. However, Bangladesh’s state-run news agency, BSS, has denied these reports, stating that “the ISI chief did not visit Bangladesh.” A spokesperson from Bangladesh’s Home Ministry clarified that “the news circulating in the press and on social media is false.”
The issue gained traction in Indian media after a high-level Bangladeshi military delegation, led by Principal Staff Officer Lieutenant General S.M. Kamrul Hasan, visited Pakistan earlier this month. The delegation held meetings with Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, and Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu.
When questioned about the growing military cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh, Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “We always keep an eye on activities in our neighborhood, region, or around India, especially those related to our national security. We will take whatever steps are necessary.”
Historically, relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh have been strained, primarily due to the events of 1971, when Bangladesh gained independence from Pakistan following a military operation. However, ties have improved since the end of Sheikh Hasina’s government last year. During the D-8 Summit in Cairo last month, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, where both leaders expressed satisfaction over the positive progress in bilateral relations.
Trade and political ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh began improving last year, but recent months have seen a noticeable increase in military engagements. On January 14, the Pakistani military’s public relations wing issued a statement confirming that General Asim Munir and Lieutenant General S.M. Kamrul Hasan had reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening defense cooperation during their meeting.
Indian media has also speculated that the Pakistani military could provide training to Bangladeshi forces, though no official statement has been released by Pakistan on the matter. Analysts suggest that the improvement in relations between the two countries follows the end of Sheikh Hasina’s administration in Bangladesh.
Dr. Khurram Abbas, Director of the India Study Center (ISC), noted, “During Sheikh Hasina’s tenure, relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan were tense, but the new administration is now working to improve ties with Pakistan.” He added that there was discontent in Bangladesh over India’s perceived interference, and the new government aims to address this by fostering better relations with Pakistan.
Experts warn that the warming ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh could pose strategic challenges for India, potentially diminishing its influence in the region. However, it is also evident that Bangladesh and India maintain strong trade and geographical ties, and India retains the capacity to rebuild its relationship with Bangladesh if necessary.
As the situation unfolds, the evolving dynamics between Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India will continue to be closely monitored, with implications for regional stability and security.
