 "Chief Advisor of the Interim Government of Bangladesh, Dr Muhammad Yunus with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. File image/@shebazsharif/Instagram")
India on Friday reaffirmed that it is keeping a close eye on the growing military engagements between Bangladesh and Pakistan following the ousting of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Amid the growing military collaborations between its two neighbouring nations, India stated that it continues to remain vigilant over the latest developments which had the potential to impact its own national security.
The reassurance came from Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal who addressed the matter at a press briefing. “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,” he said in a media briefing. The remarks from Jaiswal came amid reports that a Pakistani delegation including ISI director general of analysis Maj Gen Shahid Amir Afsar is currently visiting Bangladesh where he met with three service chiefs.
The Pakistani delegation’s visit to Dhaka came shortly after the Bangladeshi delegation paid a visit to Islamabad. While addressing the matter, Jaiswal pointed out that India is taking a proactive approach to safeguard its own security interests.
Proceeding with caution
The MEA spokesperson reiterated that India continues to remain committed to fostering friendly relations with Bangladesh. “We support a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh. We want to strengthen our ties so that the people of India and Bangladesh can prosper,” he averred. During the presser, Jaiswal also addressed Bangladesh’s concern over India’s construction of border fences.
He insisted that the intention behind the initiative is to curb illegal activities such as human and cattle trafficking, in line with bilateral agreements. India and Bangladesh ties have been facing a major strain since the ousting of Hasina following violent protests.
The relations between the two nations further deteriorated after the Yunus-led interim administration failed to contain attacks on minorities, especially Hindus, in Bangladesh.
With inputs from agencies.