Which policy of China has brought Bangladesh and Pakistan closer to Beijing and why India should be worried?
New Delhi: The growing closeness between China, Pakistan and Bangladesh has become a matter of concern for India. On June 19, representatives of the three countries met in Kunming, China on the alternative to SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation). Pakistan is already in debt to China and China’s influence is also increasing in Bangladesh. CDS General Anil Chauhan had recently expressed concern about this.
What are Pakistan, Turkey and China working on?
Turkey is also involved in this matter, which is providing military assistance to Pakistan and strengthening its defense ties with Bangladesh. In such a situation, India can get caught in a difficult diplomatic situation. Pakistan takes loans from China and buys weapons. Its economy is based on loans from IMF and China. More than 80% of Pakistan’s military equipment comes from China.
The World Bank estimates that it may take more than 40 years for Pakistan to repay its debt to China. China wants to take advantage of this situation to increase its dominance in South Asia. According to reports, China also supported Pakistan during Operation Sindoor in May 2025.
Where does Bangladesh stand?
Indian Army Deputy Chief Lieutenant General Rahul R Singh had alleged that China had given active military assistance to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. However, China has denied this allegation. Some people even saw this war as a test of Chinese weapons. China is also trying to defame companies supplying weapons to India. On the other hand, Bangladesh is also getting trapped in China’s debt. The situation has worsened after the fall of the Hasina government in August 2024 following student protests. Muhammad Yunus’ interim government is showing signs of aligning with China.
Why should India be worried?
China’s growing influence on Pakistan and Bangladesh is worrying for India. China is interfering in Pakistan through infrastructure projects. Bangladesh is also taking loans from China and getting closer to Pakistan. The situation has worsened after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government. A survey by Chatham House in June 2025 revealed that 75% of Bangladeshis prefer China, while only 11% prefer Indian.
In the last few years, it has been propagated that India was supporting the Hasina government, which was infamous for its dictatorship. Anti-Hasina sentiments have also affected India. Muhammad Yunus’ interim government is building good relations with Pakistan and military ties between the two countries are also growing.
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