Context:
Despite strained political ties since Sheikh Hasina’s removal in August 2024, the India-Bangladesh naval exercise “Bongosagar 2025” and the Coordinated Patrol in the Bay of Bengal proceeded as scheduled. This indicates that defence relations remain stable even as political tensions persist.
Details of the Naval Exercise
- Participants
- Indian Navy: INS Ranvir (destroyer).
- Bangladesh Navy: BNS Abu Ubaidah (frigate).
- Objective
- Enhance interoperability between the two navies.
- Strengthen coordination in tactical planning, joint operations, and maritime security.
- Operations Conducted
- Surface firing exercises.
- Tactical manoeuvres & underway replenishment.
- Communication drills for better coordination.
- Visit, board, search, and seizure operations to tackle maritime threats.
- Information-sharing protocols for improved regional security.
Strategic Implications
- Strengthening Regional Security
- India and Bangladesh continue to collaborate on maritime security, ensuring stability in the Bay of Bengal, a critical geopolitical zone.
- This reflects their commitment to India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative.
- Countering China’s Influence
- The Indian Ocean is witnessing increased strategic competition, with China’s expanding presence raising concerns.
- India’s growing maritime partnerships with Bangladesh, Mauritius, and other regional players aim to counterbalance China’s influence.
- India-Mauritius Defence Partnership
- India-Mauritius Joint Vision 2025 reaffirms commitments to maritime security cooperation.
- Key agreements include:
- Increased ship and aircraft deployments for joint surveillance.
- Strengthening Mauritius’ exclusive economic zone security.
- Expanding use of Agalega Island’s new runway and jetty for defence purposes.
- Setting up a National Maritime Information Sharing Centre in Mauritius.
The Bongosagar 2025 exercise underscores that while political ties between India and Bangladesh remain tense, military cooperation continues undisturbed. India’s broader maritime security efforts—especially with Mauritius and other regional players—reflect its strategic push to counter China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean.
