The visit of Indian Admiral Tripathi comes shortly after the visit of Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Delhi, during which both sides pledged to expand defence and strategic ties.

This visit also aligns with India’s ‘neighbourhood first’ policy and broader vision on ‘security and growth for all in the region’ (SAGAR), reports Financial Express of India.

The agreements signed during Prime Minister Hasina’s visit cover various sectors, including maritime security, ocean economy, space, and telecommunications, demonstrating the multifaceted nature of India-Bangladesh cooperation. As India and Bangladesh continue to enhance their defence relationship, the signing of the Ocean-Going Tug contract with GRSE is a testament to the growing strategic partnership.

The visit of Admiral Tripathi is expected to further solidify bilateral efforts and contribute to regional security and growth. By working together, the two navies can address shared challenges and set an example of effective cooperative efforts in the Indian Ocean region.

The navy chief’s visit to Bangladesh, spanning four days, aims to consolidate bilateral defence relations and explore new avenues for naval cooperation. This visit is particularly significant against the backdrop of China’s growing defence ties with Bangladesh, including constructing a dry naval dock for submarines and warships.

During his visit, Admiral Tripathi is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with his counterpart Admiral M Nazmul Hassan, as well as with the Chiefs of the Bangladesh Army and Air Force, the Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division, and senior leaders of the Bangladesh Government. These discussions will focus on enhancing cooperation and strengthening the longstanding maritime ties between the two nations.

The naval cooperation between India and Bangladesh has historically been robust, encompassing operational interactions, bilateral naval exercises, capacity-building programs, and training initiatives. Admiral Tripathi’s visit underscores the commitment to furthering these strong bonds and expanding collaborative efforts.

A significant highlight of the visit is the arrival of INS Ranvir, a key vessel of the Eastern Naval Command fleet, at Chattogram. This marks the beginning of a series of professional interactions between personnel from the Indian and Bangladesh navies, including Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE), cross-deck visits, community outreach, and friendly sports fixtures. These activities aim to enhance mutual cooperation and strengthen maritime linkages.

Following the harbour phase, INS Ranvir will participate in a Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) with ships of the Bangladesh Navy, showcasing the collaborative spirit and operational synergy between the two navies. This partnership, bolstered by historical ties and mutual interests, highlights the positive trajectory of India-Bangladesh naval relations and underscores the potential for continued collaboration in the future.