Pakistan's ISI Sends High-Level Delegation to Bangladesh, Sparks Indian Concerns

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In a significant development, Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has secretly dispatched a high-level delegation to Dhaka, raising alarms in New Delhi over potential implications for regional security. The delegation, comprising four senior ISI officials, including Major General Shahid Amir Afsar, landed in Bangladesh on January 21. The visit follows a recent military delegation from Bangladesh that met with top Pakistani military leaders in Rawalpindi.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs expressed concerns regarding the strengthening military ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh, stating that appropriate measures will be taken if necessary to safeguard India's national security interests. The spokesperson emphasized India's vigilance regarding activities occurring in the vicinity.

The ISI delegation's arrival in Dhaka marks the first official visit of its kind in nearly two decades. Upon arrival, they were received by a senior official from Bangladesh's Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) and have been granted access to several military installations to review Bangladesh's military capabilities.

This surprising diplomatic maneuver comes in the context of Bangladesh's shifting military relations under its interim government, as previous Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had curtailed ISI activities due to concerns about political interference and extremist support. Observers suggest the growing military cooperation could create complications in the delicate security balance of the region.

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