Russian Warships on "Friendly" Visit to Bangladesh: A Concern for India?

Three Russian Navy warships—two corvettes Hero of the Russian Federation Aldar Tsydenzhapov and Rezkiy and the tanker "Pechenga" —arrived at Bangladesh's Chittagong Port on Sunday. This followed Bangladesh Army chief Gen Waker-Uz-Zaman's recent trip to Moscow, signalling Dhaka’s intent to broaden its defence ties beyond its traditional reliance on China.

The navy vessels are expected to stay at the port for four days. Although Bangladesh called this a “friendly port call,” it has stirred conversation in strategic circles about shifting geopolitical alignments in the region.

Last week, Zaman met both civilian and military leaderships of Russia in Moscow, close on the heels of interim regime chief adviser Muhammad Yunus' China visit. The army chief also visited arms manufacturing facilities.

Analysts view this as Bangladesh’s attempt to rebalance its military partnerships. According to The Economic Times, Dhaka appears increasingly keen to reduce its overdependence on Chinese military hardware. According to The Statesman, Bangladesh has become the second-biggest importer of Chinese arms after Pakistan. At the same time, Moscow, traditionally a close defence partner of India, seems to be looking to expand its presence in South Asia. This outreach to Bangladesh could signal Russia’s broader strategic ambitions in the Indian Ocean region, beyond its historic ties with New Delhi.

Is It a Concern for India?

Bangladesh shares the bonds of history, language, culture and a multitude of other commonalities with India and a good relationship. However, their relations have undergone a seismic shift after August 2024. Ousted Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, now believed to be living in exile in Delhi, left a strained relationship between India and Bangladesh. As a result, Dhaka has inched closer to Beijing.

Russia and India still maintain a strong bond, Moscow being one of India's top arms suppliers. Bilateral trade between India and Russia reached a record high of $65.7bn in FY24, up 33% year-on-year. Now, Moscow's presence in Bangladesh could be a relief for India, as it would reduce China's growing influence on Bangladesh.

On the other hand, there’s also unease in strategic circles. India has long championed an “Indian-led security architecture” in the Bay of Bengal, and the arrival of any third-party navy—however friendly—complicates that vision, says Moneycontrol.

Hence, Russia's naval presence in Dhaka presents a mixed bag for India. The port call in Chittagong may appear symbolic on the surface, but it underscores the rapidly evolving dynamics of South Asia’s security landscape—one that India is watching closely.