The deal between the Bangladesh Air Force and a state-owned Chinese company comes at a time of strained relations between India and Dhaka. While it would allow Beijing to establish a permanent defence-industrial base in Bangladesh, the agreement carries serious security implications for India
The interim government in Dhaka, led by Muhammad Yunus, has recently signed an agreement with China to establish a drone manufacturing facility in Mirsarai, Chittagong district. Strategically located near India’s Northeast, Chittagong also serves as Bangladesh’s main gateway to the Bay of Bengal, where India has significantly enhanced its defence capabilities.
Notably, the site had earlier been earmarked for an Indian Special Economic Zone (SEZ), a plan that has since been scrapped.
Notably, the site had earlier been earmarked for an Indian Special Economic Zone (SEZ), a plan that has since been scrapped.