Recent strategic military movements within Bangladesh are creating ripples of concern across the border in India, especially concerning the vital Siliguri Corridor. A large Azerbaijani Antonov AN-124 cargo plane made an unannounced landing in Dhaka, reportedly taking a route that avoided Iranian airspace. The contents and purpose of this flight remain undisclosed, intensifying scrutiny.
In parallel, Bangladesh’s Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Mustaq Ahmed, visited Pakistan’s Karachi Shipyard. His discussions with Pakistani counterparts centered on enhancing naval cooperation and forging maritime industry alliances. This deepening defense relationship between Dhaka and Islamabad, juxtaposed with other recent activities, has raised eyebrows in Indian security circles.
Adding to the unease, a U.S. military C-130 Hercules aircraft delivered more than a hundred American soldiers to Chattogram. This strategically significant port city lies within approximately 100 kilometers of India’s Siliguri Corridor, a critically important and vulnerable passage. The lack of official explanation for the deployment of U.S. troops near this sensitive Indian territory has amplified apprehension.
Observers believe Bangladesh is strategically diversifying its defense relationships, seeking shipbuilding expertise and technology from Pakistan, logistical and training support from the U.S., and potentially equipment from Azerbaijan. This multi-pronged military engagement, particularly its proximity to India’s eastern flank, is prompting close observation and strategic reassessment in New Delhi.