Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has called on the country’s military commanders to be prepared for any “unexpected” developments, emphasising vigilance in light of recent political changes in Bangladesh.
He asked them to closely monitor the evolving situation in Bangladesh and anticipate potential challenges for India.
During the Joint Commanders' Conference in Lucknow, Singh also highlighted the importance of staying alert to global conflicts, particularly the Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas situation. He stressed the need for a unified military vision, calling for swift and coordinated responses to any provocations India may face.
“India is currently experiencing a rare peace dividend amid global volatility, but with rising challenges, we must remain alert,” Singh stated, underscoring the importance of being ready for the unexpected.
The conference focused on enhancing organisational structures for joint military responses and ensuring efficiency and transparency during both peace and war, The Telegraph reported.
Singh’s warning comes amid growing concerns about Bangladesh, particularly after the fall of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government, which has caused tension between the neighboring countries. Analysts suggest India is closely monitoring this political shift but has yet to fully adjust to the change.
On August 17, a phone conversation between Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh. The situation at the border has also raised alarm, especially after the killing of Bangladeshi teenager Swarna Das by India's Border Security Force (BSF) on September 1, prompting Bangladesh's Foreign Ministry to file an official protest.
In a recent interview with PTI, Chief Adviser Yunus expressed concerns over unresolved issues between the two nations, such as the Teesta water-sharing dispute and border tensions. These remarks coincide with Rajnath Singh’s call for increased military preparedness.
Local experts have expressed concern over India’s recent rhetoric.
Research organisation Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI) President M Humayun Kabir told a Bangladeshi vernacular daily, "As a close neighbour, we expect sensitivity from India in the current situation of Bangladesh. Any such comments and statements coming from the leadership of India are not appropriate, which will have a negative impact on the relationship.”
Major General (retd) ANM Muniruzzaman, president of Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS), a security research institute, feels that the context Rajnath mentioned Bangladesh in his speech is worrying and not appropriate.
This security analyst told the vernacular daily, "India's Defence Minister Rajnath has compared the current situation in Bangladesh with the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas conflict." So we have to be careful about this. We have to find out the underlying reason behind Rajnath's statement. It is important for us to know this even by asking diplomatically if necessary.