NEW DELHI: Amid increasing military engagement between Bangladesh and Pakistan, India on Friday reaffirmed its vigilance over developments in the region that could impact national security.
According to reports, a Pakistani delegation including ISI director general of analysis Maj Gen Shahid Amir Afsar, is currently visiting Dhaka after a Bangladeshi delegation toured Pakistan, where they met with the three service chiefs.
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.
Jaiswal restated India’s commitment to fostering friendly relations with Bangladesh, saying, “We support a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh. We want to strengthen our ties so that the people of India and Bangladesh can prosper.”
Addressing concerns over the construction of a border fence, which has drawn objections from Bangladesh, EAM spokesperson clarified that the initiative aims to curb illegal activities such as human and cattle trafficking, in line with bilateral agreements.
India-Bangladesh relations have faced major strain since the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August last year amid mass anti-government protests.
The relations between both countries deteriorated dramatically after Yunus-led interim administration failed to contain attacks on minorities, especially Hindus, in Bangladesh.