Satyanarayan Mohapatra
The recent visit of Chinese naval ships to Bangladesh has sent ripples through the geopolitical landscape, raising eyebrows in India and prompting questions about China's growing influence in the region. This marks the first time a foreign naval fleet has docked in Bangladesh since the interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, took power in August, signaling a potential shift in the country's foreign policy priorities.
The three-day "goodwill visit" by the Chinese naval training ship Qi Jiguang and the amphibious dock landing ship Jinggangshan to Chittagong is being viewed by some as a strategic move by China to strengthen its ties with Bangladesh and potentially draw it closer into its sphere of influence.
India's concerns
India, a close neighbor and traditional ally of Bangladesh, is particularly wary of this development. The ouster of pro-India former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the subsequent anti-India signals from the interim government have created an opportunity for China to expand its influence in the region.
This concern is further amplified by China's recent efforts to woo other South Asian nations like the Maldives and Nepal away from India's orbit. The rise of pro-Beijing leaders in these countries has raised alarm bells in New Delhi, as it seeks to maintain its strategic dominance in the region.
China has been steadily increasing its presence in South Asia, investing heavily in infrastructure projects and strengthening defence ties with various nations. The construction of a submarine base in Bangladesh, capable of hosting Chinese research vessels, is a significant development that has caught India's attention.
India counters
India is not sitting idly by. The country has been actively countering China's influence by intensifying its own defence collaborations and partnerships in the region. Recent initiatives include a joint vision document with the Maldives to bolster maritime security, the launch of a Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre with Sri Lanka, and a deal with the US to acquire advanced Predator drones for enhanced surveillance in the Indian Ocean Region.
Diplomatic tightrope
Despite these efforts, Bangladesh's growing proximity to China remains a concern for India. The interim government's willingness to engage with China, particularly on military matters, could potentially alter the regional power dynamics.
As the geopolitical landscape in South Asia continues to evolve, the visit of Chinese naval ships to Bangladesh serves as a reminder of the ongoing competition for influence between India and China. Both nations are vying for strategic partnerships and seeking to secure their interests in this strategically important region.
DISCLAIMER: This brief is based on information from publicly available sources and reflects the author's interpretation of the topic and do not reflect Prameya's or Prameya News7 editorial stance.
