India, Bangladesh review defence cooperation at annual dialogue

The fourth India-Bangladesh annual defence dialogue was held on August 11, 2022 at which the two sides reviewed on-going defence cooperation between the two countries and expressed satisfaction that collaboration is growing despite difficulties imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Defence cooperation between India and Bangladesh has seen significant progress in the last few years.
• This push is illustrated in the exchange of visits between leaders of the two nations, as well as the conduct of training programmes, joint exercises, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR).
• For a long time, Bangladesh was reluctant to address India’s security concerns, primary of which was the presence of many insurgent groups in its north-eastern region who enjoyed a safe haven in Bangladesh and carried out their activities across the border.
• In 2014, the two countries came to a resolution of their maritime boundary dispute, and the following year they resolved their conflict over land. 
• The defence services of both countries are now also participating in joint exercises, medical assistance and training programmes. 
  
  
  

Key Points in the dialogue

• The dialogue was co-chaired by Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar and Principal Staff Officer of Armed Forces Division (AFD) of Bangladesh Lt. Waker-Uz-Zaman.
• The talks covered the existing bilateral exercises and training and agreed to increase the complexity of these exercises.
• Both sides reviewed the progress on various bilateral defence cooperation initiatives and expressed commitment to further elevate engagements between the armed forces.
• Both sides emphasised the need to work closely to implement the $500 million line of credit extended from India for defence items.
• The TSST is a forum established to boost defence cooperation between both the nations through regular talks at the strategic and operational levels between India and Bangladesh.

Some other defence exercises

• Shantir Ograshena-2021, a multilateral military exercise in Bangladesh
• Sunderban Maitri- Border security force and Border Guard Bangladesh