India boosts defense ties with Bangladesh to counterweight China

India and Bangladesh have recently intensified their defense relationship by signing agreements to expand cooperation in maritime security, ocean economy, space, and telecommunication sectors.

Strategic Importance of Bangladesh:

• Bangladesh is significant for India as it shares India’s longest land border, making it crucial for combating cross-border terrorism, human trafficking, and illicit trade.
• It also provides vital access for India’s Northeastern states to the rest of the country and the Indian Ocean.

Regional Connectivity:

• Bangladesh plays a key role in enhancing inter-regional connectivity between South Asia and Southeast Asia, with initiatives like the Trans-Asian Railway and the BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal) Motor Vehicle Agreement.