India is closely watching the growing military engagement between Bangladesh and Pakistan, particularly the Pakistan-China-backed JF-17 fighter jet programme, which has gained momentum following the recent transfer of JF-17 simulators from Islamabad to Dhaka. While the move may not immediately alter South Asia's military balance, its symbolism is being carefully analysed by New Delhi.
Background of Defence Cooperation
For the first time in decades, Bangladesh and Pakistan appear to be moving toward structured defence cooperation, after years of limited engagement shaped by the legacy of the 1971 Liberation War. This development comes at a time when Pakistan continues to face economic instability and repeated IMF bailout programmes, while Bangladesh is navigating political recalibration after its 2024 transition. Despite their respective challenges, both countries are expanding defence engagement involving Chinese-backed military technology near India's eastern flank.
India's Strategic Concerns
Indian analysts believe the bigger concern is not Pakistan alone, but China's expanding strategic footprint in South Asia through defence partnerships and military supply chains. The JF-17 programme, jointly developed by Pakistan and China, has reignited comparisons with India's indigenous HAL Tejas fighter jet. Many defence experts consider the Tejas superior in avionics, radar systems, maneuverability and flight safety, although the JF-17 has advantages in operational history and export reach.
While India remains militarily and economically dominant in the region, New Delhi sees the Bangladesh-Pakistan thaw as a reminder that South Asian geopolitics is becoming increasingly competitive and transactional. The evolving dynamics underscore the need for India to maintain vigilance and strategic engagement in its neighbourhood.
