India keeps close eye on BD-Pak JF-17 talks
Staff Reporter :
India on Friday said it is closely observing discussions between Bangladesh and Pakistan regarding the potential procurement of JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft, emphasising that New Delhi monitors all developments with implications for its national security.
“We keep a close watch on all developments that have a bearing on our national security,” Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during the weekly media briefing. He was responding to questions about talks held during the recent visit of Bangladesh Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan to Islamabad, where the two sides discussed the possible acquisition of JF-17 jets.
Regarding the decision by Bangladesh and Pakistan to resume direct flights between Dhaka and Karachi from 29 January, and whether India’s permission would be required for the use of Indian airspace, Jaiswal said such matters would be managed under existing arrangements. “These issues will be dealt with as per the air services agreement with Bangladesh,” he said.
The MEA spokesperson also raised concerns about the situation of minorities in Bangladesh, noting a “disturbing pattern of recurring attacks on homes and business establishments of minorities by extremists.” He emphasised that “such communal incidents need to be addressed swiftly and firmly.”
Jaiswal highlighted what he described as a “troubling tendency to attribute such incidents to personal rivalries, vendettas, political differences or other extraneous reasons.” He added that “such disregard only emboldens extremists and perpetrators of these crimes, deepening fear and insecurity among minority communities.”
On questions regarding national elections in Bangladesh and Myanmar, which have been described as not fully inclusive due to the absence of major political parties, the MEA spokesperson reiterated India’s support for inclusive electoral processes. “We call for inclusive elections so that the outcomes carry credibility,” he said.