Dhaka: Relations between Bangladesh and India are worsening as Bangladesh seeks food resources like rice and potatoes from its neighboring country while exploring trade opportunities with Pakistan instead. This change is causing concerns about the future of Bangladesh’s relationship with Islamabad.
According to the updates in the news cycle, there are talks about Bangladesh and Pakistan fortifying their trade and maritime ties. It’s worth mentioning that last Sunday. The 22nd of December. The cargo ship ‘MV Yuan Xiang Fa Zhan’ sailed through Bangladeshi waters while making its way from Karachi to Dubai before docking at Chittagong Port. This event holds importance as it signifies a moment since the inception of Bangladesh where a vessel directly arrived from Pakistan as part of a maritime agreement.
The increasing closeness between Bangladesh and Pakistan is causing concern for India due to perceived security threats in their growing ties. As reported by The Economic Times, sources say Bangladeshi entrepreneurs are reportedly facing pressure to develop trade relations with Pakistan and import goods from there. Moreover, talks have surfaced within Bangladesh’s shipping ministry about reassessing the shipping deal with India that grants access to the ports of Chittagong and Mongla.
Chittagong Port plays a role for India by providing the means to monitor security threats in the region effectively. Back in 2004, the port was connected to a confiscation of containers filled with ammunition estimated to be worth between $4 million and $ million. The shipment was believed to have been sent by Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the ISI, to the insurgent group ULFA.
As Bangladesh and Pakistan enhance their relationship further, India’s worries are growing. There is speculation among analysts that Pakistan might use its ties with Bangladesh to carry out activities in India.
The shifting political situation in South Asia underlines the power dynamics at play for Bangladesh as it navigates its relationship with India and a newfound leaning towards Pakistan. The upcoming months will be pivotal in shaping the course of these partnerships and their impact on security in the region.