A landmark diplomatic engagement occurred in January 2025 when Lieutenant General Asim Malik, Director General of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), made an unprecedented official visit to Dhaka. This marked the first such high-level intelligence exchange since Bangladesh’s independence in 1971, signaling a dramatic thaw in historically strained relations.
The strategic overture came against the backdrop of significant political upheaval in Bangladesh, following the 2024 popular revolt that unseated long-serving Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Her administration had maintained strong security cooperation with India, particularly in counterterrorism efforts and preventing cross-border militancy.
Indian security establishments have observed this diplomatic warming with growing apprehension, drawing parallels to Pakistan’s expanding defense partnership with Saudi Arabia—a relationship that evolved from basic training exercises to comprehensive strategic coordination. New Delhi fears Bangladesh might follow a similar trajectory, potentially complicating India’s eastern security architecture and undermining its Neighborhood First policy.
According to reports from The Economic Times, the ISI chief’s visit focused on enhancing intelligence sharing mechanisms between Islamabad and Dhaka. Security analysts in India perceive these developments as gaining momentum post-Hasina’s departure, raising concerns about potential implications for India’s internal security and border management.
International relations expert Robinder Nath Sachdev of the Imagindia Institute identified a fundamental shift in Bangladeshi identity politics: ‘We’ve witnessed a transition from Bangla-first nationalism to increasingly emphasizing Muslim identity first. Public opposition to Hasina, perceived as India-supported, gradually transformed into broader anti-India sentiment.’
The bilateral engagement extends beyond military channels. In August 2025, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar conducted the first ministerial-level visit in 13 years, followed by commerce ministerial talks to advance trade agreements. Defense exchanges intensified simultaneously, with Bangladesh sending high-level military delegations to Pakistan and welcoming General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chairman of Pakistan’s Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee.
Most significantly, multiple reports emerged in December 2025 suggesting both nations were exploring a mutual defense agreement, potentially modeled after the Saudi-Pakistan Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement signed that September. CNN-News18 cited senior Pakistani foreign ministry sources indicating a joint mechanism had been established to finalize the pact’s scope and draft. Additionally, advanced negotiations are underway for Bangladesh’s potential acquisition of 48 JF-17 fighter jets from Pakistan.
However, security experts express skepticism about such a comprehensive defense treaty materializing. Lieutenant General Deependra Singh Hooda (Ret.), former commander of India’s Northern Command, noted practical limitations: ‘The interim government is unlikely to take such electorally sensitive steps. I doubt all Bangladeshi political parties would support a treaty perceived as anti-India.’ He referenced historical precedents, noting that East Pakistan’s independence movement stemmed partly from beliefs that West Pakistan couldn’t provide adequate security.
Political scientist Noor Ahmad Baba emphasized that current interim administrations lack mandate for binding strategic agreements requiring high trust levels. While acknowledging improved relations, he suggested India would actively work to rebuild ties with Dhaka, referencing External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s recent visit and statements combining regional cooperation with firmness on security concerns.
