India-Bangladesh
India, Bangladesh Naval exercise held amid deteriorating ties following Hasina's ouster
The India-Bangladesh Naval Exercise Bongosagar 2025 and Coordinated Patrol was conducted in the Bay of Bengal this week amid strained ties between the two neighbouring nations in recent months following the ouster of ex-PM Sheikh Hasina on August 5, 2024.
The exercise saw the participation of INS Ranvir from the Indian Navy and BNS Abu Ubaidah from the Bangladesh Navy.
"The exercise enhanced interoperability between the two navies, facilitating collaborative responses to shared maritime security challenges," read a statement issued by the Indian government.
The exercise involved a range of complex operations encompassing surface firing, tactical manoeuvres, underway replenishment, Visit-Board-Search-Seizure (VBSS) cross boarding, communication drills, a quiz for Ops team and Junior officers on professional topics and steam past.
The exercise provided the opportunity for both navies to develop closer links in tactical planning, coordination and information sharing for undertaking seamless maritime operations.
The exercise has strengthened coordination and confidence between the two navies, thereby improving the ability to undertake coordinated operations and respond swiftly and effectively against emerging threats at sea.
"The enhanced synergy of naval operations between the two navies is the testament to the shared commitment of countering global security challenges towards security and stability in the region promoting Security And Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) initiative of India," said the statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs.
The exercise is taking place at a time when the relationship between India and Bangladesh touched a low point following the ouster of former PM Sheikh Hasina on August 5, 2025 amid massive violent protests against her government over a job quota row.
India raised its voice against the rising violence against Hindu and other minority community members in the country after Hasina's ouster.
India-Bangladesh defence ties
In the defence sector, significant bilateral exchanges took place in 2023-2024 with incoming and outgoing visits of the Chiefs of the Indian and Bangladesh Armed Forces.
At the invitation of Bangladesh, Indian Air Chief visited Dhaka on a three-day visit from 26 February to 1 March 2024, during which he visited Bangladesh Air Force Academy, Jessore and National Defence College, Mirpur. A three-member delegation of the National Defence College, Bangladesh, led by Commandant NDC, visited National Defence College, New Delhi in May 2024, as per the Indian Embassy in Bangladesh website.
Chief of Naval Staff of India visited Bangladesh in July 2024 and reviewed the Passing Out Parade at Bangladesh Naval Academy. Bangladesh Chief of Army Staff visited New Delhi from 27-29 April 2023 and on his invitation, Chief of Staff of the Indian Army paid a visit to Bangladesh in June 2023 as a reviewing officer for the Passing Out Parade at Bangladesh Military Academy.
The 5th Annual Defence Dialogue and 4th Tri-Services Talks were held from 20-21 August 2023 in Dhaka to comprehensively review ongoing defence cooperation.The
Bangladesh Chief of Naval Staff visited India from 12-15 September 2023 as part of a series of exchanges under defence cooperation. The Army Chiefs of India and Bangladesh held a virtual meeting on 05 November 2024 and identified areas of cooperation.
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