Despite strained diplomatic ties, the military cooperation between India and Bangladesh remains strong, with a joint naval exercise taking place in the Bay of Bengal
The exercise saw the participation of Indian destroyer INS Ranvir and the Bangladeshi frigate BNS Abu Ubaidah, facilitating collaborative responses to shared maritime challenges. This annual exercise, which began in 2019, aimed to enhance interoperability between the two navies, involving complex operations such as surface firing, tactical manoeuvres, and VBSS (visit, board, search, and seizure) operations, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
Strengthening Naval Cooperation Amid Challenges
The exercise provided an opportunity for both countries to strengthen their tactical planning, coordination, and information sharing for smooth maritime operations. The official statement highlighted that the enhanced synergy between the two navies reflects their shared commitment to addressing global security challenges and improving regional stability.
India and Bangladesh have just concluded a successful bilateral naval exercise, “Bongosagar,” despite the ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two nations
India has steadily increased its military ties with Bangladesh, particularly as Bangladesh sought to counter Chinese influence with the acquisition of diesel-electric submarines. The two nations have maintained strong military cooperation, with around 50-60 Bangladesh Army officers attending specialized courses in India each year.
A Strong Military Relationship Despite Diplomatic Strains
Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi recently emphasized the strategic importance of India and Bangladesh as neighbors. He reassured that animosity between the two countries is not in anyone’s best interest, noting that the military relationship remains robust with regular exchanges. However, he also expressed concern over reports of a Pakistani Army-ISI delegation visiting areas near the Siliguri Corridor in Bangladesh, a matter that he flagged as a potential security risk for India.
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