-Caption:Indian Apprehensions Rise Amid Pakistan-Bangladesh Defence Ties
ISLAMABAD: The recent high-level meeting between Pakistan and Bangladeshair chiefs, focusing on potential JF-17 Thunder procurement, has sparkedsignificant unease in India, with analysts expressing fears of a revivedtwo-front security challenge. Indian observers worry that deepening defenceties between Islamabad and Dhaka could erode strategic gains from 1971 andcomplicate New Delhi’s regional posture amid existing tensions with China.
Indian strategic circles view the discussions as a potential game-changer,potentially forcing India to contend with threats from both western andeastern flanks simultaneously. Reports highlight New Delhi’s closemonitoring of the development, describing it as occurring against abackdrop of strained India-Bangladesh relations following political changesin Dhaka.
Indian Analysts lamenting the gradual reversal of 1971 outcomes. Oneprevalent sentiment suggests that policy caution has inadvertently reopeneddoors closed decades ago, allowing Dhaka to re-enter Pakistan’s strategicorbit and destabilise South Asia’s fragile equilibrium.
Prominent voices on X articulate concerns that India may now face dualactive fronts, even excluding the northern border with China. Commentsdescribe this as a symbol of broader foreign policy setbacks, withBangladesh’s military modernisation potentially integrating platformsproven in recent conflicts.
The JF-17 Thunder, jointly developed by Pakistan and China, has attractedglobal interest following claimed successes in 2025 aerial engagements. Itscost-effectiveness and advanced features make it appealing for nations likeBangladesh seeking to upgrade ageing fleets without excessive expenditure.
Bangladesh’s Forces Goal 2030 emphasises affordable modernisation, andprevious considerations of alternative platforms reportedly shifted due tologistical challenges. Pakistan’s offers of training, maintenance support,and technology transfer enhance the proposal’s attractiveness.
Indian media outlets frame the engagement as a notable shift in regionalalliances, potentially impacting military capabilities in the Bay ofBengal. Sources indicate New Delhi’s ire over Dhaka’s diversification awayfrom traditional suppliers.
Analysts point to post-2024 political transitions in Bangladesh asfacilitating warmer ties with Pakistan, including resumed trade andhigh-level exchanges. This pragmatic realignment reflects evolving securityimperatives and economic considerations.
While no firm agreement has been announced, the talks underscore intent forinstitutional collaboration. Indian apprehensions centre on the prospect ofjoint doctrines or interoperability emerging from such partnerships.
The development aligns with Pakistan’s export ambitions, capitalising onthe platform’s reputation. For India, it raises questions about containinginfluence in its immediate neighbourhood amid multifaceted challenges.
Source:https://bharatshakti.in/pakistan-courts-bangladesh-with-jf-17-fighter-deal-as-defence-ties-deepen/
Tags: Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, JF-17 Thunder, PAF
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