Amid rising concerns over Bangladesh's strengthening military ties with Pakistan, reports indicate that the Bangladesh Armed Forces have procured Turkish TB-2 Bayraktar drones and are deploying them for surveillance near the Indian border.

According to defence sources cited by ANI, Indian intelligence agencies have identified the presence of these drones and are closely tracking their activities. Over the past few months, the drones have been conducting reconnaissance missions within Bangladeshi airspace, particularly in areas close to the Indian border.

Some of these drone missions have lasted over 20 hours, showcasing their endurance and operational capabilities. In response, India has deployed radars and other surveillance systems to monitor these activities closely. The Bayraktar TB-2, a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drone, is considered a major success for Turkey’s defence industry. Extensively used in modern warfare, this uncrewed aerial vehicle is equipped to carry air-to-ground weapons, raising concerns about its presence near India’s borders.

The government of Bangladeshi Prime Minister Mohammed Yunus has reportedly been deepening its ties with Pakistan’s intelligence agencies, further straining regional dynamics. Sources indicate that Pakistani military officials have visited strategically important locations near India’s border, including the Chicken’s Neck corridor in Siliguri, West Bengal, a vital region for India’s territorial security. Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi has recently voiced concerns over the growing presence of Pakistani military and intelligence personnel in Bangladesh.

Speaking on the ANI podcast, he said, "I had used the word epicentre of terrorism for a particular country (Pakistan). Now those countrymen, if they go to any other place and they happen to be our neighbour, as far as I am concerned, I should be concerned about it. That they should not be able to use that soil to send terrorists to India. That is as far as that is concerned."

This development presents new security challenges for India, especially considering past regional cross-border issues. In response, Indian defence officials are maintaining high vigilance and implementing strategic measures to address emerging threats.