New Delhi Signals Heightened Attention to Bangladesh’s Strategic Choices
By Mir Lutful Kabir Saadi
Dhaka: New Delhi has confirmed that it is closely monitoring Bangladesh’s growing strategic engagement with China, including reports of possible negotiations for the acquisition of Chinese J-10CE multirole fighter aircraft and discussions surrounding the proposed China–Myanmar–Bangladesh Economic Corridor (CMBEC).
The remarks were made by Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), during a media briefing in New Delhi on July 3, underscoring New Delhi’s increasing focus on geopolitical developments involving its eastern neighbour.
Responding to questions from journalists, Jaiswal stated that India keeps a close watch on all significant strategic and developmental activities taking place across its neighbourhood. “We closely monitor all such developments in our neighbourhood and take appropriate measures whenever necessary,” he said.
The comments come at a time when South Asia is witnessing an intensifying strategic competition between India and China, with Bangladesh emerging as an increasingly important partner for both Asian powers.
Possible J-10CE Fighter Acquisition Draws Regional Attention
Among the developments attracting India’s attention are reports that Bangladesh has been discussing the potential purchase of China’s J-10CE fighter aircraft. The J-10CE is China’s export version of the advanced fourth-plus-generation multirole combat aircraft. Equipped with modern avionics, long-range radar, precision-guided weapons, and beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles, the aircraft has attracted growing interest from several countries seeking to modernise their air forces.
Although neither Dhaka nor Beijing has officially confirmed that a procurement agreement has been reached, reports indicate that the issue was discussed during Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s recent official visit to China.
Should such a purchase materialise, it would represent one of Bangladesh’s most significant defence procurements in recent years and could reshape regional perceptions of the country’s evolving defence partnerships.
Economic Corridor: Proposal Carries Strategic Significance
India is also closely following reports concerning China’s proposal for a China–Myanmar–Bangladesh Economic Corridor. The proposed corridor is viewed as a potential extension of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), designed to strengthen regional connectivity through transport infrastructure, trade, logistics, and industrial cooperation.
Supporters argue that enhanced connectivity could stimulate economic growth, improve regional trade and create new investment opportunities for Bangladesh.
However, strategic analysts also note that such infrastructure initiatives frequently carry geopolitical implications, particularly amid the broader strategic rivalry between Beijing and New Delhi across the Indo-Pacific.
Teesta Development Project Remains a Sensitive Issue
During the same briefing, Jaiswal addressed questions regarding China’s reported willingness to support the development of the Teesta River project in Bangladesh. He emphasised that India’s development cooperation with Bangladesh operates within a mutually agreed framework that is reviewed regularly. Referring specifically to the Teesta issue, Jaiswal said India had already communicated its position to the Government of Bangladesh.
The Teesta River has long remained a sensitive bilateral issue between Bangladesh and India due to unresolved water-sharing arrangements. China’s interest in supporting related infrastructure projects has therefore attracted significant regional attention.
Bangladesh’s Balancing Diplomacy Under International Scrutiny
Bangladesh has consistently pursued a foreign policy based on maintaining constructive relations with all major powers while safeguarding its national interests. In recent years, Dhaka has expanded economic cooperation with China while simultaneously deepening security, economic, and connectivity partnerships with India. It has also strengthened engagement with countries including Japan, the United States, members of the European Union, and Gulf nations.
This multidimensional diplomatic approach reflects Bangladesh’s effort to maximise development opportunities without becoming aligned exclusively with any single geopolitical bloc.
South Asia’s Strategic Competition Continues to Intensify
India’s latest public comments illustrate the growing strategic importance of Bangladesh within the evolving geopolitical landscape of South Asia and the wider Indo-Pacific. As competition between India and China expands beyond traditional security concerns into infrastructure, trade, technology and defence cooperation, Bangladesh’s policy decisions are likely to receive increasing international attention.
Whether concerning military modernisation, regional connectivity initiatives or major infrastructure projects, Dhaka’s strategic choices are expected to remain an important factor shaping the future balance of power in South Asia.
For now, New Delhi has chosen careful observation rather than direct criticism. Nevertheless, its public acknowledgement that it is ‘closely monitoring’ Bangladesh’s engagements with China highlights the increasing geopolitical significance of every major strategic decision taken by Dhaka.
