The Bangladesh Army Chief, General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed, is scheduled to embark on a three-day visit to India, beginning on Thursday, with an aim to bolster bilateral military cooperation. The visit is seen as a significant step towards strengthening the existing ties between the two countries’ military forces.
Gen Ahmed’s visit to India will commence with paying tribute to the fallen heroes at the National War Memorial in New Delhi. He will also be accorded a guard of honour at the South Block lawns in the Raisina Hills. During his visit, Gen Ahmed is expected to hold wide-ranging talks with Indian Army Chief, General Manoj Pande, and other military officials, including Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar and Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari.
The upcoming visit by Gen Ahmed is a part of a series of high-level exchanges between the two countries aimed at expanding military cooperation. In July last year, Gen Pande visited Bangladesh, where both sides vowed to expand their military cooperation. It was his first trip abroad after taking charge of the 1.2 million strong force.
The ongoing cooperation between India and Bangladesh’s military forces has significantly improved the relationship between the two countries. The countries have signed various agreements to strengthen their military cooperation and have been working together to tackle issues of mutual concern, including terrorism and cross-border smuggling.
The military cooperation between India and Bangladesh is not limited to the exchange of high-level visits. The two countries have also been conducting joint military exercises to enhance interoperability and mutual understanding. In November 2019, the armies of both countries conducted a joint military exercise, “Exercise Sampriti,” which was aimed at enhancing interoperability and building mutual trust.
In conclusion, Gen Ahmed’s visit to India is expected to further strengthen the military cooperation between the two countries. The ongoing cooperation has not only improved the relationship between India and Bangladesh but also contributed significantly to regional stability and security. The visit is also expected to provide an opportunity for both sides to explore new areas of cooperation and deepen their ties further.