For the first time since 1971, a Pakistani warship is going to visit Bangladesh. After the defeat in Operation Sindoor, Pakistan is now plotting to encircle India through Bangladesh. Pakistan Navy Chief Naveed Ashraf is scheduled to visit Bangladesh next week (8-11 November) after the meeting of Pakistan’s Chiefs of Staff Committee. During the visit, a Pakistani Navy warship is expected to reach Bangladesh. If this happens, this will be the first visit by a Pakistani warship to Bangladesh since 1971.
Interim government of Bangladesh is strengthening relations with Pakistan
Due to the defeat at the hands of India in the 1971 war, Pakistan was divided into two parts, resulting in the birth of Bangladesh. Tension has remained between Pakistan and Bangladesh since then, but the interim government formed after the overthrow of then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last year (2024) is strengthening relations with Pakistan due to its continuous anti-India activities. Last month, Chairman (second-in-command) Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza also visited Bangladesh. Mirza had met Bangladesh’s interim government chief Mohammad Yunus and army chief Waqar-uz-Zaman. Now, this visit of Pakistani Navy Chief Ashraf raises doubts.
Pakistan’s hovercraft deployed in Sir Creek area
Pakistan Navy Chief recently visited the disputed Sir Creek area adjacent to Gujarat. Meanwhile, Ashraf handed over three new hovercraft (special boats that move on land and water) to the Pakistani Navy. Soon after Ashraf’s Sir Creek visit, India began the major tri-service exercise, Trishul (November 1-13). The exercise, being conducted exclusively in Sir Creek and Thar Desert of Rajasthan, involves the Army, Air Force, Navy as well as Border Security Force (BSF) and Coast Guard.
India keeps an eye on every activity of neighboring countries
Considering the proximity of Pakistan and Bangladesh, India has also geared up. Last week, Vice Chief of the Indian Navy Sanjay Vastyayan had clearly said that all three armed forces of India (Army, Air Force and Navy) and all intelligence agencies are keeping a close watch on every activity of Pakistan and Bangladesh.
