- By Anushka Vats
- Sat, 25 Jan 2025 07:48 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Amid growing interactions between Bangladeshi and Pakistani military officials, India stated on Friday that it closely monitors regional developments that could impact its national security, asserting it will take "appropriate" actions when necessary.
Reports indicate that Maj Gen Shahid Amir Afsar, Director General of Analysis of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), along with other officials, is currently visiting Bangladesh. This visit follows a trip by a Bangladeshi military delegation to Pakistan, where they held talks with the country's three service chiefs.
In response to a question during his weekly media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal remarked, "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 further emphasized that India's approach to Bangladesh has always been one of fostering friendly relations.
"We support a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh. We want to strengthen our ties so that the people of India and Bangladesh can prosper," Jaiswal added.
On the topic of Bangladesh's objections to India building a fence along their shared border, Jaiswal explained that the construction is aimed at curbing criminal activities, such as human and cattle trafficking. He noted that the project is in line with existing bilateral agreements.
India-Bangladesh relations have faced significant challenges in recent months, particularly following the political unrest in Bangladesh last August, which led to the fleeing of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina amid large-scale anti-government protests. The situation worsened after the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus struggled to prevent attacks on religious minorities, particularly Hindus, in Bangladesh.