China’s recent naval visit to Bangladesh has raised alarms in New Delhi, as concerns grow over Beijing's increasing influence in the Indian Ocean region.
Two Chinese navy ships, the training vessel Qi Jiguang and the amphibious ship Jinggangshan, docked in Chittagong on October 12 for a goodwill visit, marking the first such event since Bangladesh’s new interim government took power after the ousting of Sheikh Hasina in August, South China Morning Post (SCMP) reports.
The visit is seen as part of China’s ongoing efforts to solidify its defence ties with South Asian nations.
While Beijing frames the visit as a routine display of friendship and cooperation, Indian analysts view it as a continuation of China’s strategic expansion, particularly in Bangladesh, which is of critical importance to India’s regional security.
India has been closely monitoring China's increased naval activities in its neighborhood, particularly following China’s construction of a submarine base in Bangladesh last year and the frequent docking of Chinese research and military vessels in Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
According to Viraj Solanki of the International Institute for Strategic Studies, New Delhi is uneasy about China’s growing presence in the Indian Ocean, which has become a significant area of concern.
Frédéric Grare, a senior fellow at the Australian National University, argued that India views the visit as part of China’s long-term strategy in Bangladesh rather than a sudden shift in policy.
He said that while Bangladesh's political landscape has changed, China’s desire to strengthen its influence in Dhaka remains consistent, a factor India finds troubling.
In response to China’s expanding footprint, India has ramped up its defence partnerships with neighboring countries, including Sri Lanka and the Maldives, to bolster maritime security.
Nonetheless, experts believe India must reassess its relationship with Bangladesh, especially under the new interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.
Relations between India and Bangladesh hit an all-time low recently, according to Lailufar Yasmin, a professor of international relations at the University of Dhaka, who argued that the arrival of Chinese vessels should prompt Delhi to reassess its relationship with the new Bangladeshi government.
“India should start recognizing the rationale behind the Bangladesh revolution instead of pointing fingers at external actors,” she said, referring to the recent political upheaval.