India, Bangladesh hold naval drill amid bilateral chill

By Ahmad Adil

NEW DELHI (AA) - Amid souring relations, India and Bangladesh held a naval drill in the Bay of Bengal this week, officials said.

The Bongosagar 2025 was conducted with the participation of Indian Navy ship Ranvir and Bangladesh Navy ship Abu Ubaidah, the Indian Defense Ministry said in a statement.

“The exercise enhanced interoperability between the two navies, facilitating collaborative responses to shared maritime security challenges,” it added.

It 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 ministry said.

Relations between Dhaka and New Delhi remain at a critical juncture since former Premier Sheikh Hasina fled to India after a student-led uprising last August. Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus is currently leading a transitional government in the South Asian country.

Dhaka has requested Hasina's extradition, but New Delhi has yet to respond.