India boosts defence ties with Bangladesh as it tries to become a counterweight to China
- Deals for expanding cooperation in areas including maritime security are part of India’s pursuit of a neighbourhood-first approach, PM Modi says
India and Bangladesh on Saturday moved to bolster their defence relationship and signed agreements for expanding cooperation in maritime security, ocean economy, space, and telecommunication sectors, as New Delhi tries to present itself as a regional power and a counterweight to China.
The agreements were signed during Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to India, the first foreign leader to visit Delhi since Narendra Modi became the country’s prime minister for a third term two weeks ago.
Modi welcomed Bangladesh’s decision to join his Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative to expand and facilitate regional cooperation of India’s maritime neighbours. He said the deals with Dhaka were part of his country’s pursuit of a neighbourhood-first approach.
Bangladesh also enjoys good ties with China, its major trade partner, mostly for raw materials. But maintaining a close relationship with Beijing is challenging for Bangladesh, which also balances diplomatic and trade ties with India and the United States, China’s main rivals.
Bangladesh’s garment industry, which brings in more than 80 per cent of foreign currency from exports, is heavily dependent on China for raw materials.
