India Flags China’s Growing Strategic Presence in Bangladesh

CA Yunus pays tributes to the martyrs of Liberation War on 16 December 2025.

China’s expanding presence in Bangladesh—particularly through infrastructure projects, port development and defence cooperation—has emerged as a key concern, although India is taking necessary steps to safeguard its national interests, according to a parliamentary panel report released on Thursday.

The report by the parliamentary committee on external affairs, titled Future of India-Bangladesh Relationship, was tabled in both houses of Parliament a day after the foreign ministry summoned Bangladesh’s envoy over concerns about the worsening security situation in the neighbouring country.

India-Bangladesh relations have come under strain since the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus assumed office in August 2024, the report noted.

The committee highlighted China’s involvement in the development of Bangladesh’s Mongla Port and Lalmonirhat airbase, as well as Beijing’s activities near the Siliguri Corridor—often referred to as the “chicken’s neck”—which links India’s northeastern states to the rest of the country. It also pointed to China’s expanding influence across South Asia.

“China’s increasing presence in Bangladesh, especially through infrastructure development, port expansion and military cooperation, has been a matter of concern,” the report said.

Responding to queries on the Mongla port and Lalmonirhat airbase, the foreign ministry told the committee that the government remains vigilant regarding Chinese involvement in Bangladesh and is closely monitoring the nature and implications of ongoing projects.

On the strategic impact of these developments, particularly concerning the Siliguri Corridor, the ministry said India continues to track developments affecting its national interests and is taking all necessary measures to protect them.

Bangladesh signed a government-to-government agreement with China in March 2025 for a $370 million expansion of Mongla port. The ministry noted that India, meanwhile, has supported the port’s connectivity by financing the Khulna–Mongla railway project. India also has agreements allowing transit access through the Mongla and Chattogram ports.

In its recommendations, the committee reiterated concerns over China’s growing footprint in Bangladesh, especially in infrastructure, port development and defence cooperation.

It also flagged the development of the Lalmonirhat airbase with Chinese assistance, noting that while Bangladesh’s military authorities have said there are no current plans to upgrade it for military use, the facility is located just 15 kilometres from the international border.

The committee further expressed concern over a Chinese-built submarine base at Pekua, which is reportedly capable of hosting up to eight submarines, despite Bangladesh currently operating only two.

While acknowledging Bangladesh’s sovereign right to pursue partnerships of its choosing, the committee stressed the need to protect India’s strategic and security interests, particularly in relation to the Siliguri Corridor and the Bay of Bengal region.