Indian Army Chief warns of potential shift in Bangladesh-India relations with government change

Indian Army Chief, General Upendra Dwivedi, has stated that any change in the government of Bangladesh could impact the country’s relationship with India. 

In a recent interactive session at the India Today Conclave in New Delhi, General Dwivedi explained that while the current military ties between Bangladesh and India are strong, a shift in Bangladesh‍‍`s leadership could lead to changes in how the two nations interact.

He elaborated, “It’s too early to make any conclusions about Bangladesh‍‍`s role, but a change in the government could result in a shift in the relationship with India.” 

He went on to underline that the military-to-military cooperation between the two countries is currently very strong, with regular exchanges of notes aimed at preventing misunderstandings or conflicts.

When asked about the growing partnership between China and Pakistan, General Dwivedi acknowledged the significance of their alliance, saying, 

“What does this mean? In my view, the threat from two fronts is now a reality.” 

He also emphasized that both countries have a high level of collaboration, something India has to accept.

In his discussion, the Indian Army Chief also addressed the broader regional situation, including India’s preparedness for future conflicts and how the country is adapting to the changing security environment. 

He remarked, “We are looking at how we can manage the current situation and adapt to it diplomatically, without resorting to war.”

General Dwivedi also called for “coexistence, cooperation, and coordination” between nations in the region, stressing that war would not benefit anyone. He posed the question, “Is war good for the interests of both countries? The answer is no.” 

This reflects India’s current approach of managing tensions through diplomatic means rather than escalating them into conflicts.

This highlights the delicate balancing act that India faces in managing its regional relationships, especially with Bangladesh, a neighbor with whom it shares deep military ties but also complex political dynamics.