India has expressed concern over Pakistan’s growing military and intelligence ties with Bangladesh, following the first visit to Dhaka in decades by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief, Lt Gen Asim Malik. His visit was marked by meetings with Lt Gen Muhammad Faizur Rahman, Quarter Master General of the Bangladesh Army, signalling a significant shift in military-to-military relations that New Delhi is watching closely.
Malik’s visit followed a high-profile three-day trip by a Pakistani ISI delegation, including Major General Shahid Amir Afsar who previously served as Pakistan’s defence attache in Beijing.
Addressing the rising concern, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal assured that India is monitoring developments in the region.
"We keep an eye on all activities around the country and in the region, as well as all activities affecting national security, and the government will take appropriate steps," Jaiswal stated during a media briefing on Friday.
Bangladesh’s increasingly closer ties with Pakistan, particularly following the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, have raised alarms in New Delhi.
Under the leadership of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh has reportedly moved towards Pakistan, intensifying the apprehension in India.
This is further compounded by Bangladesh’s recent decision to grant visas to Pakistani citizens without security clearance, a move that many see as allowing increased influence from ISI and Jamaat-e-Islami operatives in the region.
“There have been recent reports of eased travel restrictions for Pakistan ISI and Jamaat elements to Dhaka,” a security analyst remarked during a recent interview.
In response, India has reiterated its stance of supporting Bangladesh’s democratic, progressive, and inclusive future.
Jaiswal emphasised, “We support a democratic, progressive, and inclusive Bangladesh. We want to strengthen our ties so that the people of India and Bangladesh can prosper.”
In addition, Jaiswal addressed concerns regarding India’s border fencing with Bangladesh, stating that the fencing aims to prevent the illegal movement of humans and cattle across the border and is in line with the existing bilateral agreements.
In December last year, Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met on the sidelines of the D-8 Summit in Cairo.
During their meeting, Bangladesh urged Pakistan to resolve the issues stemming from the 1971 war to allow Dhaka to move forward in its relationship with Islamabad "once and for all for future generations."
According to reports, the two leaders also discussed the revival of the SAARC and emphasised the need for a strategic relationship between Dhaka and Islamabad.
India-Bangladesh relations following Hasina’s ouster
India-Bangladesh relations have witnessed a sharp decline following the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
In August last year, Hasina fled Dhaka amidst mounting pressure from the country’s military and anti-quota protesters.
Since the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus took over, tensions have escalated significantly.
While India has voiced concerns over the rising attacks on minorities, particularly Hindus, in Bangladesh, the Yunus administration has been pushing for the extradition of Hasina.
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