As India struggles to grapple with isolation and the loss of regional stature after the crushing defeat against Pakistan in May’s military clashes, Islamabad is set to receive AIM-120 missiles from a United States (US) based defence firm while Bangladesh is planning to buy 20 new jets from China.
According to reports, Raytheon will supply Pakistan with advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles (AMRAAM) following a contract modification that added the country to the list of buyers, whereas Bangladesh is preparing to purchase 20 Chinese-made J-10C fighter jets by 2027 to modernise its air force and strengthen national defence.
The developments, experts say, could spell trouble for India and challenge its approach towards regional relations as the trilateral convergence by Pakistan, China and Bangladesh could have serious implications for New Delhi’s security while disrupting regional balance of power.
As per the details of the defence deals, the US-made missiles are equipped on F-16 Falcons operated by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).
The same missiles were also reportedly used in February 2019 when the PAF conducted Operation Swift Retort and shot down two Indian Air Force (IAF) jets that had intruded into Pakistani airspace over Kashmir.
While the development comes amid improving ties between Pakistan and the US, Bangladesh’s deal with China, valued at approximately $2.20 billion, is also turning heads. The deal will cover training, maintenance and other related expenses and add to the Bangladesh Air Force’s current strength of 212 aircraft, including 44 fighter jets — 36 of which are Chinese-made F-7s.
It merits a mention that the deals come months after it was reported that senior officials from Pakistan, Bangladesh and China have vowed to enhance trilateral cooperation in various sectors such as trade, investment, health, education and maritime affairs among others.
Pakistan and Bangladesh are both part of China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) which aims to connect Asia, Africa and Europe. China envisions the BRI to be a global network of roads, railways, ports, energy pipelines and trade corridors that strengthens Beijing’s trade ties with other regions for the benefit of its economy.
Pakistan and China are historic allies while strained ties between Islamabad and Dhaka have started to improve since the ouster of former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina last year.