Delhi on alert as Pakistan sends officers to Bangaldesh

Pakistan’s dispatch of top army officers to Bangladesh has placed New Delhi on high alert. India said on Friday that it is closely following recent events and “will take appropriate steps” regarding national security.

“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,” External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at a weekly media briefing.

These statements came just after a high-profile team from Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), led by Major General Shahid Amir Afsar, wrapped off a three-day visit to Bangladesh on Friday.The visit follows the previous journey of top Bangladeshi military officials to Pakistan, when they met with the three service chiefs.
Since the instability that followed the removal of previous Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Muhammad Yunus-led Bangladesh has moved closer to Pakistan, creating concerns in India. Bangladesh’s plan to issue visas to any Pakistani person without security clearance has sparked concern, with analysts warning of a rise in ISI and Jamaat activities in India’s backyard.

However, India has been ready to put its differences aside and work towards a “democratic, progressive and inclusive” Bangladesh.

“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 further said at the media briefing.

On Bangladesh raising objection to India’s border fencing along the border, Jaiswal said that it is aimed at stopping the illegal movement of humans and cattle. He further pointed out that the border fencing is part of India’s existing bilateral agreement with Bangladesh.