Amid growing friendship between Bangladesh and Pakistan, ISI sends high-level delegation to…; India says…

India-Bangladesh relations have experienced significant tension since Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was removed from office in August last year during widespread anti-government protests.

A Bangladeshi military delegation’s recent visit to Pakistan has been followed by a significant development—Pakistan has reportedly sent four senior officials from its intelligence agency, ISI, to Bangladesh. This growing closeness between the two neighboring countries has put India on alert. India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has acknowledged the situation and assured that it is being closely monitored. MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that the government is vigilant about regional developments and will take necessary steps to safeguard national security.

The ISI team, led by Maj Gen Shahid Amir Afsar, Director General of Analysis, is visiting Dhaka shortly after the Bangladeshi delegation met with Pakistan’s top military officials in Rawalpindi. The Bangladeshi delegation, led by Lt Gen SM Kamrul Hasan, included six senior officers and held extensive discussions with Pakistan’s military leadership, including Army Chief Gen. Asim Munir, during their January 13–18 visit.

Three days after the Bangladeshi delegation returned home, Pakistan secretly sent the ISI team to Dhaka on January 21. This marked the first official ISI visit to Bangladesh in almost 20 years. Upon arrival via a flight from Dubai, the delegation was received by a senior official from Bangladesh’s intelligence agency, DGFI.

This growing interaction between Pakistan and Bangladesh has created challenges for India, which has long enjoyed strong ties with Dhaka. Despite this, India remains committed to fostering cooperation and mutual growth with Bangladesh. External affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal pointed out India’s proactive approach to safeguarding its security interests. “We keep an eye on all activities around the country and in the region, as well as all activities affecting national security, and the government will take appropriate steps,” he said in a media briefing.

“We are dedicated to supporting a democratic and progressive Bangladesh. Our goal is to strengthen our partnership for the prosperity of both nations,” Jaiswal stated, emphasizing India’s focus on maintaining friendly relations and collaboration with Bangladesh.