Pakistan's Bangladesh Security Push Alarms India: A Risky Game in South Asia

• Pakistan is pursuing a Mutual Defence Agreement with Bangladesh, aiming for expanded military cooperation and intelligence exchanges, similar to its pact with Saudi Arabia.
• India views this outreach with deep concern, citing Pakistan's history of sponsoring cross-border terrorism and using non-state actors, fearing destabilization of its eastern flank.
• The timing follows the collapse of the Sheikh Hasina government, with Pakistan exploiting the political transition to court the Muhammad Yunus-led interim administration.
• Reports of ISI chief's visit to Dhaka and a dedicated ISI cell in Pakistan's High Commission have heightened India's fears of renewed threats and a rollback of successful India-Bangladesh intelligence cooperation.
• While Bangladesh seeks diversification, partnering with Pakistan offers little economic or military benefit and risks straining crucial ties with India, its largest neighbor and key strategic partner.

Why It Matters: Pakistan's security outreach to Bangladesh, driven by strategic mischief, raises red flags for India and risks regional instability.