Indian parliamentary panel flags 'increasing Chinese footprints' in Bangladesh, urges stronger dev co-op with Dhaka

An Indian parliamentary committee has expressed concern over what it described as the "increasing footprints" of China in Bangladesh, while urging the Indian government to strengthen development cooperation with Dhaka to reinforce India's position as Bangladesh's "most reliable partner."

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, chaired by senior Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, made the observations in its ninth report titled "Action Taken by the Government on the Observations/Recommendations on the subject 'Future of India-Bangladesh Relationship'", which was tabled in Parliament on Thursday (30 July).

The committee urged New Delhi to closely monitor the activities of foreign powers in Bangladesh, warning that any attempt by "unfriendly countries" to establish a military foothold in the country would pose serious security risks for India.

The report cited China's growing involvement in Bangladesh's infrastructure, port expansion and defence cooperation, specifically mentioning the Mongla Port expansion project and the Lalmonirhat airbase.

According to the report, Bangladesh signed an agreement with China in March 2025 to implement a $370 million expansion project at Mongla Port.

It also noted that the Lalmonirhat airbase is being developed with Chinese assistance, although the Bangladesh Army's Director of Military Operations has stated there are currently no plans to upgrade the airstrip for military use.

The committee further referred to China's construction of a submarine base at Pekua, saying the facility is capable of accommodating eight submarines despite Bangladesh currently operating only two.

While acknowledging Bangladesh's sovereign right to pursue partnerships with different countries, the committee stressed the need for India to safeguard its strategic and security interests, particularly in relation to the Siliguri Corridor and the Bay of Bengal region.

"In this regard, the development of Lalmonirhat Airbase with Chinese assistance, which is just 15 km from the international border, is a matter of concern to the Committee," the report said.

The panel also noted the recent visit of a Jamaat-e-Islami delegation to China, saying it reflected Beijing's broad engagement with different political groups in Bangladesh.

At the same time, the committee recommended that India leverage its comparative advantage in development cooperation to deepen trust with Bangladesh.

It highlighted that India had financed and completed the Khulna-Mongla railway line to improve connectivity to Mongla Port and had signed agreements with Bangladesh for transit access through Chattogram and Mongla ports.

The report also called for greater strategic attention to challenges along the India-Bangladesh border, including illegal migration, smuggling, radicalisation and cross-border crime.

It recommended deploying advanced surveillance technologies, including drones, thermal cameras, motion sensors and satellite-based systems, alongside strengthening coordination among security agencies. The committee also advocated socio-economic development initiatives in border areas to reduce vulnerabilities that contribute to cross-border crime.