Pakistan’s Top Level ISI Delegation Visits Bangladesh: India Keeps a Close Watch

Amid growing military ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh, India’s Ministry of External Affairs monitors developments impacting national security.

January 25, 2025: New Delhi has raised concerns over Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) secretly dispatching a high-level delegation to Dhaka, Bangladesh. The visit, involving four senior ISI officials, was confirmed on January 21, just days after a Bangladeshi military delegation visited Rawalpindi, Pakistan. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has assured that the government is keeping a vigilant eye on these developments and will take “appropriate action” to safeguard national security.

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ISI Delegation Arrives in Dhaka

According to reports, the ISI delegation is led by Major General Shahid Amir Afsar, the Director General of Analysis and a former defense attaché in Beijing. This marks the first official ISI visit to Bangladesh in nearly two decades. They were received at Dhaka airport by a senior official from Bangladesh’s Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI).

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The delegation is being briefed on Bangladesh’s military capabilities and is touring various military establishments. This visit follows a January 13-18 trip by a Bangladeshi military delegation to Rawalpindi, where they met with Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir, as well as the air force and navy chiefs.

Strengthening Defense Ties

In a statement released by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the meeting between Lt. Gen. SM Kamrul Hasan of Bangladesh and Pakistan’s military leaders emphasized the need for stronger defense relations. The statement highlighted the importance of a “resilient partnership” between the two nations, despite external pressures.

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Historical Context

Bangladesh, under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership, had previously curtailed ISI activities due to their involvement in political interference and support for extremist elements. Sheikh Hasina’s government also cracked down on ISI-backed insurgency in India’s northeastern states. However, since her departure, Bangladesh’s interim government under Muhammad Yunus has reportedly accelerated its military engagements with Pakistan.

India’s Response

India has expressed concerns about the growing defense ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh. “We are closely monitoring all activities in the region that could impact our national security,” said Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. India remains cautious given ISI’s history of using Bangladeshi soil for militancy.

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IndiaPakistanTensions, BangladeshMilitaryTies, ISIDelegation, NationalSecurity, SouthAsiaGeopoliticsm,