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Despite the challenges posed by political transitions and regional dynamics, the India-Bangladesh defence partnership remains robust
Chief Advisor of Bangladesh’s Interim government Muhammad Yunus (PTI File Photo)
In December 2023, a historic milestone in India-Bangladesh defence relations captured significant media attention across both nations. Mohammed Abir Hassan, a 23-year-old Bangladeshi military cadet and the grandson of a 1971 freedom fighter, graduated as an Officer Cadet from the Indian Military Academy (IMA). This achievement marked a first in the history of bilateral defence cooperation between the two countries. While it may appear routine within the context of their long-standing partnership, this symbolic development holds particular significance in light of the evolving political dynamics in Bangladesh following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. It underscores the enduring commitment to defence diplomacy and capacity-building initiatives that have characterised India-Bangladesh relations for decades.
India and Bangladesh share a 4,096-kilometre-long border, the longest between India and any of its neighbours. This shared boundary serves as a testament to the deep and multi-faceted partnership spanning cultural, economic, educational, and defence domains. The foundations of this relationship date back to Bangladesh’s birth as an independent nation in 1971, following a genocidal war waged by Pakistan against the Bengali-speaking population of then-East Pakistan. During the nearly ten-month-long conflict, millions were subjected to atrocities, including killings, enforced disappearances, and systematic sexual violence. India’s decisive role in supporting Bangladesh’s liberation struggle, both militarily and diplomatically, remains a cornerstone of their bilateral ties. India’s involvement, culminating in the surrender of Pakistani forces in December 1971, laid the groundwork for a relationship built on mutual trust, shared values, and a vision for regional stability and prosperity.
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Over the years, defence cooperation has emerged as a key pillar of India-Bangladesh relations, driven by shared geostrategic interests and a commitment to regional security. The 1972 “Friendship Treaty” formalised the framework for their bilateral relationship, with provisions to “not enter into any kind of military alliance against each other,” “refrain from aggression,” and disallow the use of their territories for activities detrimental to one another. Despite the absence of a formal defence mechanism during the early years, both nations managed to foster defence ties through consistent engagement, overcoming challenges posed by geopolitical shifts and domestic political transitions.
Bilateral defence engagements between India and Bangladesh gained significant momentum from the late 2000s. The visit of Bangladeshi Army Chief General Moeen Ahmed to India in 2008 was a landmark event that established the groundwork for regular reciprocal visits by senior military leaders. These interactions facilitated mutual trust and contributed to the resolution of longstanding disputes, including the land and maritime boundary issues, by 2014. However, the most substantial impetus for defence cooperation came during Sheikh Hasina’s visit to India in April 2017. This visit resulted in the signing of a “Framework for Defense Cooperation” agreement aimed at institutionalising and enhancing bilateral defence collaboration.
The framework agreement introduced the Annual Defence Dialogue (ADD), a high-level mechanism co-chaired by India’s Defence Secretary and Bangladesh’s Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division (AFD). Since its inception in 2018, the ADD has provided a platform for reviewing ongoing defence initiatives and planning future collaborations. The dialogue alternates between New Delhi and Dhaka, with the fifth round held in Dhaka in 2023. Complementing the ADD is the Tri-Services Staff Talks (TSST), an operational-level forum enabling direct engagements between senior military leaders. The TSST facilitates discussions on strategic and operational matters, including the planning of joint military exercises and capacity-building initiatives.
Beyond the framework agreement, a series of supplementary Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) have been signed to enhance strategic cooperation. These include agreements between India’s Defence Services Staff College and Bangladesh’s Defence Services Command and Staff College, as well as between the National Defence Colleges of both countries. These MoUs have been instrumental in institutionalising defence exchanges and fostering mutual understanding. Notable high-level visits in recent years include the Indian Air Chief’s visit to Dhaka in February 2024, a delegation from Bangladesh’s National Defence College visiting India in May 2024, and the Indian Chief of Naval Staff’s visit to the Bangladesh Naval Academy in July 2024. Similarly, Bangladesh’s Chief of Army Staff visited New Delhi in April 2024, while India’s Army Chief visited the Bangladesh Military Academy in June 2023.
Another milestone in defence cooperation was India’s extension of a $500 million defence-related line of credit to Bangladesh, the first of its kind offered to any neighbouring country. This credit line facilitates Dhaka’s acquisition of defence equipment and underscores the strategic depth of their partnership. Additionally, India has committed to supporting Bangladesh in establishing its manufacturing and maintenance facilities for defence platforms, with the aim of bolstering self-reliance in defence production. Under this cooperation framework, India also provides specialised training and technical assistance to enhance the operational effectiveness of Bangladesh’s armed forces.
While defence cooperation has flourished, the recent political transition in Bangladesh poses new challenges to the bilateral dynamic. Sheikh Hasina’s ouster in August 2024, amid student protests, has introduced uncertainties. However, the enduring nature of India-Bangladesh relations, rooted in shared history and cultural ties, suggests resilience in the face of such transitions. The new administration, led by Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, has demonstrated an understanding of the strategic importance of maintaining strong ties with India.
The India-Bangladesh defence partnership exemplifies the resilience and depth of their bilateral relations. Anchored in historical solidarity and cultural affinity, this relationship has withstood challenges posed by changing political landscapes and external pressures. Defence cooperation, in particular, highlights the shared commitment to regional security and mutual prosperity. Over the past decade, institutionalised mechanisms such as the ADD and TSST, along with high-level exchanges and strategic agreements, have solidified this partnership.
The shared vision of Dhaka and New Delhi for regional stability and development continues to drive their collaboration. Defence cooperation extends beyond military engagements to encompass capacity building, strategic studies, and technological support. Initiatives such as India’s defence credit line and training programmes reflect the depth of this partnership, while joint exercises and staff talks enhance operational synergy.
Despite the challenges posed by political transitions and regional dynamics, the India-Bangladesh defence partnership remains robust. The new leadership in Dhaka is well-positioned to recognise the value of this relationship and build on the foundation laid by previous administrations. Both nations understand that their shared destiny and convergent interests necessitate continued collaboration to ensure the prosperity and security of their people.
As the two countries navigate the evolving geopolitical landscape, the India-Bangladesh defence partnership serves as a model of resilience and mutual trust. The achievements of recent years, including the historic graduation of Mohammed Abir Hassan from the Indian Military Academy, symbolise the strength of this relationship. Such milestones reaffirm the enduring nature of India-Bangladesh ties and the shared commitment to advancing regional stability and development. By prioritising cooperation and addressing challenges together, India and Bangladesh can continue to deepen their partnership and chart a path towards a secure and prosperous future for South Asia.
The writer is an author and columnist and has written several books. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18’s views.
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January 07, 2025, 15:37 IST
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