Big worry for India as Bangladesh becomes new ally of China, Mohammad Yunus likely to…

China is directly in contact with Bangladeshi extremists like Jamaat-e-Islami.

Dhaka: After the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, anti-India activities in Bangladesh have reached their peak. The interim government, led by Mohammad Yunus, is believed to be supporting these activities. The Yunus government is receiving assistance from Pakistan and China in these anti-India operations. China is reportedly planning to involve India with a country that has been its long-standing ally. To achieve this, the Communist Party of China is directly in contact with Bangladeshi extremists, such as Jamaat-e-Islami. Concerns are growing that, after Pakistan, Bangladesh may now become a major challenge for India.

Bangladesh To Buy J-10C Vigorous Dragon Fighter Jets From China

Bangladesh is planning to upgrade its old fighter jets by purchasing J-10C Vigorous Dragon aircraft from China. Notably, the Yunus government is strengthening its ties with China. It is also trying to enhance its defence capabilities at a time when it has no bad relations with any of its neighbouring countries. The accelerating engagement with China is striking, fitting well into China’s broader strategy to encircle India with its military allies.

Bangladesh Air Force

The Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) has a fleet of old aircraft that includes the F-7MG and MiG-29 fighter jets. These fighter jets are technically outdated. As a result, the Air Force urgently needs a replacement and upgrade. Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan’s recent visit to China publicly expressed Dhaka’s ambition to modernise its fleet with multirole fighter jets and attack helicopters.

As per a report from South China Morning Post, Hasan Mahmood Khan attended China’s Zhuhai Airshow and met with officials from China’s National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation, signalling Bangladesh’s intent to strengthen its defence ties with Beijing.

Reports suggest that Dhaka is considering purchasing 16 J-10CE fighter jets, a 4.5-generation export version of the J-10C, as part of its initial fleet upgrade.

China’s Role As A Major Défense Partner

It is worth noting that, China is Bangladesh’s second-largest arms supplier after Pakistan, having provided trainer aircraft, tanks, ships, and missiles over the years. Previous deliveries include 16 F-7MG fighter jets between 2006 and 2013. The acquisition of J-10CE fighter jets would significantly enhance Bangladesh’s air force capabilities.

China’s J-10C, often compared to the American F-16, is loaded with the advanced WS-10B engine. Military analysts and former People’s Liberation Army trainer Song Zhongping have suggested that given Bangladesh’s security needs and budget constraints, the cost-effective FC-31 multirole fighter may be a more practical option.

Geopolitical Implications For India

Although the deal is still in the planning stages and may take years to materialise, Bangladesh’s potential purchase of the J-10C fighter signals its increasing military cooperation with China.

This development could strain its relations with India, which closely monitors China’s increasing influence in South Asia. If Dhaka proceeds with the J-10C acquisition, it will become the second South Asian country after Pakistan to operate advanced Chinese fighter jets.