Bangladesh Navy Chief holds talks with Indian CNS and CDS to strengthen maritime ties

Admiral M Nazmul Hassan, Chief of the Naval Staff of the Bangladesh Navy, is on a five-day official visit to India from September 12-16, 2023, and has met with the Indian Navy chief, and had talks on mutual and coordinated efforts from both navies in a bid to bolster regional maritime security. Hassan's visit to India marks his first official visit since assuming office as the Bangladeshi Navy Chief.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the visit commenced with a wreath-laying ceremony at the National War Memorial following which Hassan met with Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff, India. The discussions centred around enhancing cooperation in critical areas such as operations, training, information exchange, and participation in multilateral constructs. The agenda, as per MoD, focuses on the 'enhancement of cooperation in the field of operations, training, information exchange, and participation in multilateral constructs.' Collaborative endeavours, including Coordinated Patrols along the International Maritime Boundary Line, the bilateral exercise BONGOSAGAR, as well as the facilitation of Naval Training and reciprocal visits by delegations, were also part of the points of discussion. These initiatives signify a concerted effort to foster mutual understanding and operational cohesion.

During his visit, the Bangladeshi Navy Chief also met with the Chief of the Defence Staff, Chief of the Naval Staff, Defence Secretary, Foreign Secretary, in addition to other high-ranking Goverment of India officials.

Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan with Bangladeshi Navy Chief Admiral M Nazmul Hassan. | Image: X @indiannavy

Mumbai leg of the visit

Following engagements in New Delhi, Hassan's itinerary extendes to Mumbai. Here, he will engage with the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command and will pay a visit to an indigenously constructed Indian Naval Ship, although the vessel was not specified in the official statement. The Bangladeshi Admiral also received a ceremonial Guard of Honour.

Reciprocal gestures of goodwill

Earlier, General Manoj Pande, the Chief of the Army Staff, undertook a visit to Bangladesh from June 5 - 6. His agenda included high-level discussions with senior military leadership, aimed at fortifying Indo-Bangladesh defence ties. Notably, the visit also featured a review of the Passing Out Parade of officer cadets of the 84th Long Course at the Bangladesh Military Academy.

Diplomacy beyond borders

Beyond military endeavours, diplomatic efforts have also played a role in strengthening ties between the two nations. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina arrived in India to attend the G20 Summit on September 8. During her visit, she engaged in a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reflecting a commitment to furthering economic and diplomatic cooperation. "Had productive deliberations with PM Sheikh Hasina. The progress in India-Bangladesh relations in the last 9 years has been very gladdening. Our talks covered areas like connectivity, commercial linkage, and more,” PM Modi posted on X on Friday. India and Bangladesh share bonds of history, language, culture, and a multitude of other commonalities, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. The 'excellent bilateral ties' between the two nations showcase an all-encompassing partnership based on sovereignty, equality, trust, and understanding that goes far beyond a strategic partnership. The ties between India and Bangladesh, as per the ministry, have strengthened, matured, and evolved as a model for bilateral relations for the entire region and beyond.