Why Bangladesh wants to acquire Turkish tanks?

After deploying Turkish surveillance-cum-combat drones, Bayraktar, close to India's border, Bangladesh has reportedly decided to acquire 26 Turkish Tulpar light tanks. This marks a significant shift in its defence strategy, raising concerns in India about the evolving geopolitical landscape in South Asia.

The Tulpar tanks, developed by Turkish and Italian defence firms, are tailored for challenging terrains, making them ideal for Bangladesh’s marshy, flood-prone, and rugged regions. Designed for high mobility, advanced protection, and adaptability, these tanks could potentially provide Bangladesh with a significant tactical advantage along its borders.

However, experts suggest that the implications of this acquisition extend beyond military modernisation and hint at a recalibration of Bangladesh’s regional alliances. The move is seen as part of a broader strategy to signal a shift in its military and foreign policy decisions to India.

The focus on military modernisation reflects Dhaka’s intent to prepare for regional challenges, including its tense relationship with India.

GROWING DEFENCE TIES WITH TURKEY AND PAKISTAN

This tank deal is part of Bangladesh’s expanding defence cooperation with Turkey, which has been actively seeking to enhance its influence in South Asia. Additionally, Bangladesh’s growing defence ties with Pakistan--through military training and collaborations--add another layer of complexity. For India, the alignment between Dhaka, Islamabad, and Ankara appears to be a calculated effort to challenge its regional dominance.

Pakistan provides Bangladesh an opportunity to bolster its forces by deepening ties with India’s rival. Turkey, on the other hand, offers state-of-the-art defence technology, positioning itself as a key partner in Dhaka’s efforts to diversify its military supply sources. These developments suggest a deliberate effort by Bangladesh to reduce its dependence on traditional partners like India.

STRAINED INDIA-BANGLADESH RELATIONS

This defence pivot comes at a time when India-Bangladesh relations are at a low point, following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, a close ally of New Delhi. The new government in Dhaka has adopted an independent and, at times, adversarial approach towards India. The attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh and a recent diplomatic note seeking Sheikh Hasina's extradition have further strained ties, with New Delhi viewing these actions as unnecessary provocations.

India is closely monitoring the strategic intent behind Bangladesh’s moves, as these developments could alter the security dynamics along India’s eastern borders. The historically cooperative relationship between the two neighbours now appears to be on a precarious footing.

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