Bangladesh Gives Key Port to China, Ends Deal with India
China's growing influence in Bangladesh, including taking over the Mongla Port project, and fresh border claims have raised new security concerns for India.
India and China have faced several tensions in recent years, with China increasing its influence in countries around India. One of its key strategies has been developing and operating ports in neighbouring countries to strengthen its economic and strategic presence.
China already shares close ties with Pakistan and is now working to deepen its relationship with Bangladesh. Recently, Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader Tarique Rahman visited Beijing and met Chinese President Xi Jinping. During the visit, both sides signed 17 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs).
One agreement has attracted attention in India. In 2015, India and Bangladesh had agreed to develop an industrial zone near Bangladesh's Mongla Port with Indian support. However, Bangladesh has now decided to hand over the project to China instead.
This has raised concerns in India, as experts fear China could use the project to increase its strategic presence in the region. Similar concerns were raised after Sri Lanka handed over Hambantota International Port to China for commercial purposes. Later, reports claimed that Chinese submarines and naval vessels had visited the port, leading to security concerns for India.
Some experts believe Bangladesh is moving closer to China for two reasons. First, reports suggest Bangladesh is interested in buying Chinese-made J-10CE fighter jets. Second, Bangladesh may be unhappy with India's recent deportation of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants, prompting it to strengthen ties with China.
Meanwhile, another issue has emerged along the India-China border. The Nah Welfare Society (NWS), a community organisation based in Taksing in Arunachal Pradesh's Upper Subansiri district, claimed that the Chinese Army (PLA) has gradually occupied land along the border over the past 10 to 15 years.
However, the Indian Army rejected these allegations, calling them "baseless."
These developments have added to India's security concerns as China continues to expand its presence in South Asia.
