Unusual military activities within Bangladesh are drawing significant attention from New Delhi, raising questions about potential strategic realignments. A large Antonov AN-124 cargo plane from Azerbaijan recently landed in Dhaka carrying undisclosed cargo, with its flight path reportedly avoiding Iranian airspace. This discreet arrival, with no official explanation for its contents or routing, has fueled speculation.
Coinciding with these events, Bangladesh Navy Chief Admiral Mustaq Ahmed engaged in discussions with Pakistan at the Karachi Shipyard during the Pakistan International Maritime Exhibition and Conference. While termed routine, this deepening naval cooperation with Islamabad signals a notable escalation in defense ties.
Further intensifying concerns, a U.S. military C-130 Hercules aircraft brought over a hundred American soldiers to Chattogram. This city is strategically located less than 100 kilometers from India’s critical Siliguri Corridor, often referred to as the ‘chicken’s neck.’ The unexplained presence of U.S. troops in such proximity to this vital Indian strategic asset has heightened unease.
Security analysts interpret these developments as Bangladesh building diverse military partnerships. These include defense technology and shipbuilding collaborations with Pakistan, training and logistics support from the United States, and potential equipment acquisitions from Azerbaijan. This multifaceted approach to military engagement, particularly its proximity to India’s vulnerable corridor, is a cause for apprehension in New Delhi. While no direct hostile intent has been declared, the convergence of these military movements near a sensitive Indian border region is creating significant strategic uncertainty.