INDIA - BANGLADESH DEFENCE COOPERATION (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 - IR)

Context: India and Bangladesh held the fifth Annual Defence Dialogue on 28 August 2023 in Dhaka. 

Key Points

• The Annual Defence Dialogue between India and Bangladesh is the highest institutionalized interactive mechanism between both the countries. 
• In the dialogue, both the countries highlighted its significance in chartering the future course of the relations between the two Armed Forces.
• During the meeting, the ongoing defence cooperation activities between the two countries were reviewed and both sides expressed satisfaction at the increasing defence cooperation engagements. 
• The talks covered the existing bilateral exercises and both sides agreed to increase the complexity of these exercises.
• The Armed Forces of both countries continue to seek bilateral cooperation in multiple fields and the increased engagements are a positive sign for the future of the relations of both countries.

India and Bangladesh Defence Cooperation

• High-level exchanges include the second edition of India-Bangladesh CORPAT ‘Bangosagar’ exercise, Regional Commanders meeting of Coast Guards and Annual Defense Dialogue.
• Muktijoddha related engagements and implementation of the Muktijoddha Medical Scheme for the first time in Bangladesh in 2020.
• High level exchanges at the level of services chief of Indian Navy, Bangladesh Navy and Indian Air Force, conduct of second annual defense dialogue and inaugural tri-services staff talks, service specific talks of Navy and Air Force and the DG level talks between the Coast Guards.
• Various Joint exercises of Army (Exercise Sampriti) and Navy (Exercise Milan) take place between the two countries.