Indian Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi has remarked that the recent change of government in Bangladesh could lead to shifts in Dhaka’s relations with New Delhi.
However, he emphasised that military cooperation between the two nations remains robust, with both armed forces regularly exchanging notes to maintain strategic alignment.
Speaking at the India Today Conclave in New Delhi on Saturday (8 March), Dwivedi underscored that Bangladesh and India share a strong defence relationship.
“Our military-to-military ties are highly resilient, and we engage in regular exchanges to avoid any misunderstandings,” he said.
His comments come in the wake of Bangladesh’s recent political transformation, which has sparked speculation regarding the future trajectory of bilateral relations.
Addressing concerns over Pakistan and China’s growing strategic alignment, the Indian army chief acknowledged the existence of a high degree of collaboration between the two countries, describing it as a reality that India must confront.
“We must be clear that a significant level of collusion exists, which we have to acknowledge. In the virtual domain, it is nearly 100%, and in the physical domain, a substantial portion of Pakistan’s military equipment originates from China,” he stated.
Responding to a question on Pakistan and Bangladesh’s evolving relationship, Dwivedi noted that any association between a country known as a hub of terrorism and India’s neighbouring states is a matter of concern.
“If a country associated with terrorism engages with any of our neighbours, we should be wary, as terrorism can be exported from such regions, which remains a primary concern for us,” he asserted.
While discussing future military preparedness, he cautioned against premature conclusions regarding Bangladesh’s role in the region.
“It is too early to determine how Bangladesh’s position may evolve following its political shift,” he remarked.
Despite geopolitical tensions, Dwivedi advocated for diplomatic engagement and regional cooperation.
“War is not in the best interest of any country in this region. The focus should be on coexistence, collaboration, and coordination. We must align with present-day realities and manage the situation diplomatically to prevent conflicts,” he concluded.
His remarks highlight India’s strategic approach towards its neighbours amid shifting political dynamics in South Asia.
