New Delhi:
Pakistan’s ISI Sends High-Level Delegation to Dhaka, Raising Alarm in India
In a move that has significant implications for regional security, Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has sent a high-level delegation to Dhaka, Bangladesh, marking the first official ISI visit to the country in nearly two decades. This development follows a recent trip by a Bangladeshi military delegation to Pakistan, further intensifying the growing military cooperation between the two nations.
The delegation, led by Major General Shahid Amir Afsar, the ISI’s Director General of Analysis, arrived in Dhaka on January 21. This visit comes on the heels of a six-member Bangladeshi military delegation, headed by Lieutenant General SM Kamrul Hasan, which visited Pakistan from January 13 to 18. During their stay, the Bangladeshi officials met with Pakistan’s top military leaders, including Army Chief General Asim Munir, to discuss strengthening defense ties.
India, which has traditionally enjoyed strong relations with Bangladesh, is closely monitoring these developments due to their potential impact on national security. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has assured that it is keeping a close eye on the situation and is prepared to take “appropriate action” if necessary. “We keep an eye on all activities around the country and in the region, as well as all activities affecting our national security, and the government will take appropriate steps,” stated External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
The ISI team in Dhaka is being given a detailed tour of several military establishments and is being briefed on Bangladesh’s military capabilities and preparedness. This increased engagement between Pakistan and Bangladesh is a significant shift, particularly since the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who had curtailed ISI activities in Bangladesh due to their covert operations and support for extremist elements.
Under the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh has accelerated its military ties with Pakistan. Historically, the ISI had used Bangladeshi soil to fund militancy and insurgency in India’s northeastern states, activities that were curbed by Sheikh Hasina’s government. The current resurgence of these ties has raised concerns about the potential revival of anti-India terror outfits and the impact on regional stability.
The deteriorating India-Bangladesh relations, especially since the caretaker regime took over in Bangladesh, have been further strained by attacks on minorities. The Pakistan Army’s media wing, ISPR, has emphasized the importance of a stronger defense relationship between Pakistan and Bangladesh, highlighting the need to remain resilient against external influences.
As India navigates this complex geopolitical landscape, it remains committed to maintaining friendly relations with Bangladesh while ensuring its national security interests are safeguarded. The ongoing developments underscore the evolving dynamics in the region and the need for vigilant monitoring to address potential security threats.
