New Maritime Links Between Bangladesh and Pakistan: A Geopolitical Challenge for Bharat

Paromita Das

GG News Bureau

New Delhi, 19^th November. Bangladesh’s evolving political and economic landscape has taken a concerning turn with the establishment of direct maritime links between Chittagong and Karachi. This development, a first since the Liberation War of 1971, raises alarms not just in Dhaka but in New Delhi as well. With the violent ousting of Sheikh Hasina’s government and the failure of the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh appears to be pivoting towards policies that could destabilize the region further.

The docking of a cargo vessel from Karachi at Chittagong signals a significant shift in Bangladesh-Pakistan relations. While touted as an economic initiative to boost bilateral trade, the move has far-reaching implications, especially for Bharat, given the potential for misuse of these sea routes to foster insurgency and contraband trafficking in northeastern states.

A New Strategic Alignment?

The direct maritime link is more than just a trade route. It represents a symbolic and strategic rapprochement between two nations whose relations have been historically fraught. The presence of Syed Ahmed Maroof, Pakistan’s high commissioner to Bangladesh, during the docking underscores Pakistan’s eagerness to strengthen ties with the interim Bangladeshi government.

The economic rationale presented—streamlined supply chains and reduced transit times—is overshadowed by the geopolitical risks. The proximity of these ports to Bharat’s northeast, a region already grappling with insurgencies, raises fears of increased arms trafficking and illegal activities.

Bharat’s Concerns and Strategic Calculations

For Bharat, the implications of this development are profound. The northeast region, which shares a long and sensitive border with Bangladesh, could become vulnerable to spillovers from any security lapses in Dhaka. The sea routes could also provide Pakistan indirect access to Bharat’s northeastern frontier, raising the stakes in an already delicate security scenario.

Moreover, the political instability in Bangladesh has led to a noticeable shift in its foreign policy. The Yunus-led interim government’s tilt towards Pakistan contrasts sharply with Sheikh Hasina’s pro-Bharat stance, which fostered stronger bilateral ties and cooperation on shared challenges such as counter-terrorism and cross-border trade.

Historical Context and Future Outlook

The shadow of 1971 looms large over these developments. Bangladesh’s independence was born from the brutal repression and exploitation of East Pakistan by West Pakistan (modern-day Pakistan). Bharat’s role in supporting the Mukti Bahini and securing Bangladesh’s liberation forged a strong bond between New Delhi and Dhaka, particularly under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership.

The current rapprochement between Bangladesh and Pakistan, however, signals a departure from this historical trajectory. It risks undoing decades of trust and partnership with Bharat, which could have consequences for the region’s stability.

A Dangerous Gamble

The Yunus administration’s move to deepen ties with Pakistan is a gamble that risks alienating key allies and destabilizing the region. While economic diversification and regional connectivity are legitimate goals, the interim government’s decision to prioritize relations with a historically antagonistic partner like Pakistan is deeply concerning.

The potential for these maritime links to facilitate the movement of contraband and arms cannot be ignored. With Pakistan’s history of fostering insurgency in Bharat, the likelihood of such routes being exploited for nefarious purposes is high.

Furthermore, this shift reflects poorly on the interim government’s ability to maintain a balanced and stable foreign policy. By leaning into Pakistan’s orbit, Bangladesh risks isolating itself from Bharat, a vital economic partner and regional ally.

Conclusion: Navigating Troubled Waters

The direct maritime links between Bangladesh and Pakistan represent a troubling development with significant security and geopolitical implications for Bharat. For New Delhi, this is a call to recalibrate its approach to Dhaka, balancing diplomatic engagement with strategic vigilance.

As the interim government in Bangladesh navigates a period of political and economic uncertainty, its policies should ideally foster stability and regional cooperation. However, the current trajectory suggests a tilt towards adversarial alignments, which could exacerbate regional tensions.

Bharat, as a key regional player, must continue to advocate for a stable and progressive Bangladesh. Ensuring open communication and leveraging diplomatic channels will be essential to mitigate the risks posed by this new maritime connectivity. The region’s future hinges on the choices made today, and the onus lies on all stakeholders to steer these waters toward peace and prosperity.